Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Cleveland Orchestra Musicians Reach New Agreement, Ending Strike

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Members of the Cleveland Federation of Musicians, American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 4 who perform as part of the Cleveland Orchestra, have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement after a three-day work stoppage.

The previous contract covering musicians expired at the end of August, and this year’s strike was the first time members have been on the picket line for more than one day since 1980. Highlights of the new deal include annual 5% wage increases, a collective voice in the audition process, improved safety protocols and more.

“We want to thank the thousands of supporters who wrote testimonials, signed our petitions, and carried us through a sometimes painful, but very purposeful effort to ensure this great Cleveland Orchestra will continue to attract and retain the finest musicians in the world,” said Elayna Duitman, Negotiating Committee chair and a violinist in the Orchestra for 16 years. “We were able to agree to a fair compensation package, a voice in our auditions and improved safety for our musicians. We look forward to a wonderful new season of music for the Cleveland Orchestra and our audiences.”