Overview
- Musicians voted unanimously on Saturday to authorize what would be the Boston Symphony’s first strike, a formal bargaining step that does not immediately halt performances.
- The authorization gives the union clear leverage at the negotiating table while the current contract approaches expiration and talks continue through the weekend.
- Negotiations include traditional labor issues such as wages, healthcare and pensions as well as demands for greater musician input on programming and the selection of the next music director.
- The players’ committee says management has not agreed to bring in a professional mediator, while BSO President and CEO Chad Smith said management respects the vote and remains focused on reaching an agreement.
- The move heightens the risk of disruptions to Tanglewood concerts and the fall season, and it deepens a leadership crisis that began when the board decided not to renew Andris Nelsons’ contract in March.