Chicago musicians settle for 3% annual rise

Musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra last night ratified a three-year wage agreement in which they will receive a three percent pay rise every year.

The deal comes at a time when two other orchestras – Philadelphia and San Francisco – have let their agreements lapse and are in deadlock over a new deal.

Quotes from the CSO press release below.

The members of the CSO and the CSOA Board of Trustees voted today to accept the
terms of the new contract. Under the terms of the newly ratified agreement, CSO
musicians’ annual salary will increase by 3% in each of the three years of the
contract. All healthcare, insurance and retirement benefits will be retained. A number of
changes to the agreement were made that improve working conditions for the
musicians, and create revenue opportunities, cost reductions and managerial
efficiencies for the CSOA and Ravinia Festival.
“The Chicago Symphony Orchestra remains a cultural beacon in the world today.
Known for its extraordinary artistry, the CSO is an important ambassador for the arts,”
said CSOA Board Chair Mary Louise Gorno. “The Trustees recognize and celebrate the
incredible musical gifts shared by the musicians of the CSO with our audiences in
Chicago, in the U.S. and around the world. On behalf of the Board, we express gratitude
to the teams who worked collaboratively and productively to secure this new agreement
that provides financial sustainability for the organization while retaining the highest
artistic standards.”
“This is an important moment for the CSOA and the members of the CSO,” said CSOA
President Jeff Alexander. The atmosphere of cooperation and partnership that was
sustained through these negotiations underlines a foundation that has been
strengthened in recent years and recognized priorities that will not only benefit the
orchestra and the organization, but the artform and community we serve. I look forward
to continuing to work together with the Members of the Orchestra and the Chicago
Federation of Musicians to advance the legacy of this great Orchestra.”
“The Musicians of the CSO are very pleased that an agreement for a new contract with
the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association has been reached,” said James
Smelser, Chair of the CSO Members’ Committee. “We are appreciative of the Trustees
and the Administration and their efforts, and this agreement demonstrates the strong
support by the Board for the Members of the Orchestra. Their commitment to the
Orchestra allows us to continue the tradition of sharing great orchestral music at the
highest level with our audiences in Chicago and across the world.”