CSO board votes to ratify contract
September 26, 2012 5:38PM
Updated: September 26, 2012 8:46PM
Following the Chicago Symphony Orchestra players’ ratification Tuesday of a three-year contract, the CSO Association’s board of trustees also voted Wednesday to ratify.
Retroactive to Sept. 17, 2012, the contract increases the musicians’ weekly base pay and offers a restructured health benefits package.
The CSO players went on strike Saturday night, just hours before the season’s second subscription concert. The union and the CSOA resumed talks Monday afternoon and reached a settlement that evening.
“The city of Chicago is so very fortunate to be the home of one of the world’s greatest orchestras,” said William Osborn, chairman of the CSO board of trustees. “This new agreement recognizes the pre-eminence of our orchestra, while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.”
Under the contract, CSO musicians receive a 4.5 percent increase in salary over a three-year term, with weekly base minimum salaries of $2,805, $2,840 and $2,910 each year.
In addition, changes in work rules and scheduling allow increased flexibility for the Symphony Center season, special projects, tours and summer concert activities.
All CSO concerts this week will proceed as scheduled, including the annual Symphony Ball gala Saturday.
