Cleveland O on Strike

As threatened, musicians of the Cleveland Orchestra went on strike at midnight, a week after the September 17 opening of Franz Welser-Möst’s 25^th and final season; tomorrow night’s concert has been cancelled as a result. According to President and CEO André Gremillet, the players left the negotiating table without having heard management’s final offer.

Talks have been ongoing since July; the last contract expired August 30, but a brief extension was agreed upon to get the season underway. That expired September 23.

“We are deeply disappointed by the union’s decision to strike after we clearly communicated that we had more to offer and wanted to keep negotiating,” said Gremillet. “The union made this decision without having received anything close to our best offer…. This strike is as premature as it is unnecessary.”

He further claims that, rather than putting forth a counter proposal in response to management’s latest salary offer, the players decided to strike. Other issues, such as parental leave, workload, touring, and hiring practices have been resolved. The union wants a 25 percent salary increase over three years.

More talks are scheduled “later this week,” said Gremillet. A September 25 concert at the University of Michigan has also been canceled.

Pictured: Orchestra President and CEO André Gremillet