Baltimore Symphony Musicians authorized a strike on Monday after their most recent contract with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra expired Sunday. Before the day was over, the musicians and management had reached a tentative agreement.
“Parties have reached a tentative agreement that is subject to ratification by the Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Board of Directors,” BSO said in a statement. “Because the tentative agreement is subject to ratification, no further details can be released at this time.”
Baltimore Symphony Musicians, represented by Musicians’ Association of Metropolitan Baltimore, voted to authorize a strike Monday afternoon, according to a news release from the union. The musicians demanded fair compensation, citing increased profits for Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and its $110 million endowment campaign.
“The musicians are seeking base pay in line with other major 52-week orchestras, yet the BSO currently ranks last in its peer group — trailing even the Utah Symphony,” the union said in the release. “The most recent contract … left salaries stagnant and far below inflation, even as the BSO’s operating budget grew more than 22% from 2022 to 2024, reaching nearly $39 million.”
According to Gregory Tucker, communications adviser for Baltimore Symphony Musicians, Utah Symphony players’ base salary was raised to $92,304 on Sept. 1. Baltimore Symphony Orchestra players’ base salary is $90,107.
Although the strike had been authorized, it had not commenced. Negotiations with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra continued until the agreement was reached Monday night.
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Baltimore Symphony Musicians reached a five-year contract in 2020, which saw continued pay raises for employees and pay cuts for administrators. The contract promised employees a $90,100 base salary by 2025.
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra season begins with a gala celebration concerts on Sept. 19 and 20.
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