Monday, October 4, 2010

Detroit symphony musicians go on strike (AP)

DETROIT � Musicians who are refusing to accept steep pay cuts demanded by the financially struggling Detroit Symphony Orchestra have hit the picket lines.

Dozens of tuxedo-clad musicians began picketing Monday morning at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in downtown Detroit, as a French horn quartet played in the background.

Symphony management declared an impasse Sept. 1 and began implementing a 33 percent base pay cut for orchestra veterans, from $104,650 to $70,200 in the first year.

Musicians had offered a 22 percent reduction in the first year to $82,000.

No bargaining sessions are scheduled. The musicians union has filed an unfair labor practices complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.

Symphony management officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

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Online:

Musicians union: http://www.detroitsymphonymusicians.org

Symphony: http://www.detroitsymphony.com



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