Canton Symphony Orchestra union authorizes right to strike over wages, working conditions

CANTON − The union representing musicians in the Canton Symphony Orchestra has authorized the ability to go on strike over wages and working conditions.

Members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 111 have overwhelmingly authorized the option of a strike if negotiations don't progress and it's deemed necessary, said a news release from the union on behalf of the Canton Symphony Orchestra Committee.

Some orchestra musicians plan to pass out informational leaflets at the orchestra's pops concert on Saturday night featuring The Labra Brothers at the Canton Palace Theatre.

The union represents the entire orchestra, which includes 72 contract musicians.

The symphony's management responded to a request for comment Friday morning with a written statement.

"The (Canton Symphony Orchestra) management will continue to negotiate in good faith, and is continuing to engage in discussion ... on both economic and non-economic issues and works towards a collective bargaining agreement," the statement said.

The impact of a potential strike on the symphony's season and concerts is unclear at this point, said Nathan Maslyk, director of marketing and development for the Canton Symphony Orchestra.

Where does the symphony perform and what does it play?

The Canton Symphony Orchestra performs most of its shows at Umstattd Hall at the Zimmermann Symphony Center, which adjoins McKinley High School.

Performances include MasterWorks classical concerts featuring soloists and musical themes. Musical selections include both modern and legendary late composers.

Pops concerts also have featured the London-based Jeans 'n Classics joining with the Canton Symphony Orchestra to play the music of iconic rock and pop bands, including ABBA, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Queen. A December holiday pops concert is also popular.

The new season kicked off in September with a special remembrance concert for late Canton Symphony Orchestra conductor Gerhardt Zimmermann, who died in June at age 77 from declining health.

The symphony also performs outside its concert hall, including smaller shows at The Auricle Venue + Bar in downtown Canton, pairing with local and regional musicians such as saxophonist Justin Tibbs and Anya Van Rose.

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Union seeking 'bare-bones cost-of-living wage increase'

The musicians' union said it will continue to negotiate with the Canton Symphony Orchestra Association using the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

Musicians are seeking wages "that mitigate record inflation since 2021, as well as basic job security and working conditions aligned with most professional orchestras in the country," the union said.

The union says management "has rebuffed industry-standard proposals for mileage, minimum guarantees, and proposals correcting long-standing issues of respect and musician participation in the organization’s future, while refusing to share its audited financial statements."

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Benjamin Reidhead, a member of the Canton Symphony Orchestra Committee and horn section, said in a written statement that the strike authorization step was taken "from our membership because the lack of movement from the (Canton Symphony Orchestra Association) on these issues jeopardizes our ability to maintain the quality of the orchestra."

"We don’t understand the resistance to updating our working conditions to those enjoyed by modern American orchestras nor (management's) current refusal to offer a bare-bonescost-of-living wage increase," he said.

Management 'has proposed competitive increases to compensation.'

In April, the union presented more than 80 proposed changes to the contract, the symphony's management said.

"This was unprecedented in Canton Symphony Orchestra negotiations, and management sought the assistance of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service," the statement said.

"Despite slow progress, the (symphony orchestra) has proposed competitive increases to compensation such pay rate, ensemble rate, cartage and mileage," said the statement from Rachel Hagemeier, president and CEO of the Canton Symphony Orchestra.

Management also said the two sides have made significant progress on non-economic issues, "which would allow musicians more of a voice in artistic choices made at the organization."

The Canton Symphony Orchestra said it will "work diligently to create a collective bargaining agreement that is reflective of the needs of the musicians and the organization.

"The Canton Symphony Orchestra prides itself on creating the highest quality content for our community," management's statement said. "And we will continue to strive to do that through this negotiation process."

The union referenced the late Zimmermann's farewell message to symphony supporters in which he praised the dedication and talent of the local orchestra while expressing confidence in their ability to carry "that torch forward."

"The musicians of the (local symphony) draw inspiration from these words and will continue to dedicate themselves to the preservation and growth of Canton’s 'beacon of excellence,' andcall on the board and management to do the same," the union's statement said.

Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@gannett.com.

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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton Symphony Orchestra union authorizes right to strike over wages