Musicians with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) walked off the job late Thursday afternoon, launching their first strike in the orchestraS 107-year history and forcing the cancellation of upcoming performances.
picket lines formed outside the Orpheum theater in downtown Vancouver where musicians gathered carrying signs reading, “A world-class orchestra deserves world-class pay.”
The musicians, represented by the Vancouver Musicians’ Association (VMA), say management is turning “a deaf ear” to their demands for higher wages.
They’ve been without a contract since July 1 and served 72-hour strike notice earlier this week after months of stalled negotiations.
The work stoppage means several high-profile concerts over the weekend will not go ahead, according to the VSO’s website.
Those include Star wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert, the kickoff of viral duo TwoSet Violin’s world tour, and The Path Forward, a concert featuring Indigenous artists and musicians from the Coast Salish Territory.
The VSO management says it is working to minimize disruptions for ticket-holders and that it remains in contact with stakeholders.
VMA president Audrey Patterson said many players had already logged hours of practise for the cancelled shows, including rehearsals just a few hours before the strike deadline.
“They’re disappointed that we couldn’t come to an agreement, at least in principle, in order to hold off the strike action,” patterson told CBC News. “But they’re determined to see this through and they’re very united in their willingness.”
Union leaders say they are seeking a 23 per cent wage increase over three years to bring Vancouver musicians closer in line with their peers in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, who earn roughly 30 per cent more, according to the union.
“the musicians are the product,” Patterson said in a statement earlier this week. “You cannot attract or retain the world-class talent that a city like Vancouver deserves if the compensation is 20 per cent below median household income.”
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Musicians Prepare to Strike Amid Contract Dispute
Table of Contents
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) musicians are preparing to strike after contract negotiations with management stalled. The musicians have issued a 72-hour strike notice, potentially halting performances as early as September 29th, 2023. The core issue revolves around wages and benefits, with the musicians seeking improvements to reflect the rising cost of living and acknowledge their contributions to the orchestra’s success.
Contract Negotiations and the Impasse
According to a statement released by the musicians’ union, the Greater Vancouver Professional musicians’ Association (GVPA), negotiations have been ongoing for several months.The union represents approximately 65 musicians of the VSO. The key sticking points include salary increases that keep pace with inflation and maintain a reasonable standard of living for the musicians, as well as improvements to benefits packages.
“We’ve been trying to negotiate a fair contract that reflects the value we bring to the VSO and the community,” said a spokesperson for the GVPA.”Regrettably, management has not been willing to meet our reasonable demands.”
Labor Board Involvement and Union Response
The VSO management reportedly contacted the British Columbia Labour Relations Board (LRB) regarding potential mediation. Though, the union views this move as a delaying tactic.
“It was just a conversation with a representative from the labour board,” said GVPA President, Patti Patterson, in a statement to CBC News. “So I spoke with the musicians… they declined and said it’s not a formal request and really just looked like a way to hold off strike action.”
The union maintains it is prepared to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith.
Mediation Process in British Columbia
Under British Columbia’s labour relations code, either party can request a mediator once collective bargaining has begun. Though,if a strike or lockout notice has been issued,a mediator will onyl be appointed if both parties agree. The BC government provides detailed facts on the collective bargaining process.
CBC News has reached out to the LRB for comment but has not yet received a response.
What’s Next?
With the 72-hour strike notice in effect, the VSO faces potential disruption to its performance schedule. The union has indicated its willingness to negotiate,but a resolution will require a willingness from management to address the musicians’ concerns. The impact of a strike would extend beyond the musicians themselves, affecting concertgoers, arts organizations, and the cultural landscape of Vancouver.
Key Resources:
* Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Official Website
* Greater Vancouver Professional Musicians’ Association (GVPA)
* BC Labour Relations Code Information