Cleveland Orchestra and musicians reach new three-year contract
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The Cleveland Orchestra musicians' strike is over after three days, clearing the way for the ensemble's European tour to proceed as scheduled.
Why it matters: The new three-year contract ends months of negotiations over compensation, health care, working conditions and the musicians' role in hiring at one of the world's preeminent orchestras.
Driving the news: The Orchestra and AFM Local 4 reached a tentative agreement late Saturday after two days of intensive bargaining. Musicians ratified it Sunday.
By the numbers: Musicians will receive 5% annual raises for three years, increasing guaranteed base compensation from $165,516 to $191,620 by the contract's end.
- They'll transition to a high-deductible, HSA-qualified health plan, with the orchestra saying musicians' costs won't increase during the agreement.
Zoom in: The contract also ensures that musicians will participate on audition committees, while retaining music director Franz Welser-Möst's final authority over appointments.
What they're saying: "We were able to agree to a fair compensation package, a voice in our auditions and improved safety for our musicians," negotiating committee chair and violinist Elayna Duitman said in a statement.
The other side: Orchestra CEO André Gremillet said he is "very pleased" to have an agreement, while maintaining the strike was unnecessary.
- "The outcome at the table was driven by good-faith negotiation, not by the work stoppage," he said.
Flashback: Musicians walked out after Thursday night's performance, forcing the cancellation of concerts at the University of Michigan and Severance.
- The union had sought 25% in salary increases over three years, arguing musicians had lost purchasing power to inflation and fallen behind peer orchestras. Management called that proposal unsustainable.
What's next: The orchestra's instruments depart for Europe Monday, with musicians following Tuesday.
- The nine-country, 15-concert tour begins Oct. 2 and will be Welser-Möst's final international tour as music director.
- Musicians will hold a press conference Monday morning at Severance to discuss the agreement.