Cleveland Orchestra musicians go on strike, say management ignores their many sacrifices

Cleveland Orchestra musicians strike over contract

CLEVELAND — The musicians of the Cleveland Orchestra say they’ve gone on strike following disappointing contract talks with management.

Oboist Jeffrey Rathbun says he and the other musicians are “sorely disappointed” management hasn’t acknowledged sacrifices they’ve made in their last two contracts or their offer to continue to work for the next contract year with no increase in salary or benefits.

The musicians’ contract expired last summer. The musicians say striking at midnight Sunday means they likely won’t make their planned trips to Indiana University and to Miami.

In March the orchestra said it would reduce pay, leave six positions unfilled and scale back artistic initiatives to save money. The orchestra’s board of trustees says it recognizes the musicians’ incredible artistry but is committed to “ongoing prudent cost control.”