Cleveland Orchestra Musicians Strike Over Pay and Healthcare, Threatening European Tour
At 12:01 a.m. on Friday, musicians of the Cleveland Orchestra initiated a strike following unsuccessful contract discussions. The committee, headed by violinist Elayna Duitman, highlights concerns over salaries, asserting that their compensation does not keep pace with inflation and falls short compared to other "Big Five" orchestras. They also request involvement in the audition process. During a bargaining meeting on Thursday, only tour scheduling was agreed upon, as the previous contract lapsed earlier that week. A concert in Michigan scheduled for Friday has been canceled. However, musicians plan to perform at a complimentary event at Plymouth Church in Shaker Heights on Saturday. CEO André Gremillet labeled the strike as premature and expressed disappointment. A press conference is scheduled for Friday at 9 a.m.
Key facts
- Cleveland Orchestra musicians went on strike at 12:01 a.m. Friday after months of failed contract negotiations.
- The union says pay lags inflation and trails the other "Big Five" orchestras in Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago.
- Violinist Elayna Duitman heads the negotiating committee.
- A four-hour bargaining session on Thursday resulted only in an agreement on tour scheduling.
- A Friday night concert in Michigan is canceled.
- On Saturday, members will perform in small chamber groups at a free show at Plymouth Church in Shaker Heights.
- If an agreement is reached by Sunday night, the orchestra will load gear Monday morning for a European tour.
- Orchestra CEO André Gremillet called the strike premature and unnecessary, noting only 11 negotiating sessions have been held versus an average of 15 in the last two negotiations.
- The strike occurs during Franz Welser-Möst's 25th and final season as music director.
- A press conference is scheduled for Friday at 9 a.m., with bargaining to begin later that morning.
Entities
Artists
- Elayna Duitman
- André Gremillet
- Franz Welser-Möst
Institutions
- Cleveland Orchestra
- Plymouth Church
- Severance
Locations
- Cleveland
- United States
- Boston
- Philadelphia
- New York
- Chicago
- Michigan
- Shaker Heights
- Europe