Entertainment
Boston Symphony Orchestra and musicians agree to 48-hour contract extension
The temporary agreement delays a potential strike as the union prepares for a ratification vote ahead of the fall season.
The short version
- The Boston Symphony Orchestra and its musicians agreed to extend their collective bargaining agreement for 48 hours until Tuesday night.
- The extension delays what would be the first work stoppage in the orchestra's 145-year history following a strike authorization over the weekend.
- BSO leadership stated the extension is pending a ratification vote by the union and the players' committee ahead of the September 17 season opening.
Key facts
- The Boston Symphony Orchestra and its musicians agreed to extend their collective bargaining agreement by 48 hours to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- The Boston Musicians' Association had authorized a strike on Saturday before the previous three-year contract was set to expire Sunday at 11:59 p.m.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- BSO CEO Chad Smith announced that the extension was agreed upon pending a ratification vote by the Boston Musicians' Association and the Boston Symphony Orchestra Players' Committee.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Tensions between musicians and management have risen since the orchestra decided in March to end music director Andris Nelsons' tenure next summer after 13 seasons.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- The orchestra is scheduled to open its upcoming concert season on September 17.[ABC News · Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unconfirmed whether union members will formally ratify a deal before the Tuesday deadline expires.[ABC News · Associated Press]