In the midst of a surge of labor unrest in British Columbia, the spotlight is now on the Vancouver music scene as the Vancouver Musicians’ Association (VMA) Local 145 takes a stand against their employer.
Representing over 70 talented musicians of the renowned Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO), the VMA issued a 72-hour strike notice earlier this week, signaling their determination for change.
The VMA had presented its final offer to the Vancouver Symphony Society (VSS) back in July, and after an overwhelming 97.4% vote in favor of potential strike action by the musicians, tensions have been escalating.
Negotiations between the union and the VSS commenced in early September, with the union pushing for fair wage increases to attract and retain top musical talent and acknowledge sacrifices made during the pandemic.
However, disagreement over wage terms persisted, with the VSS allegedly offering inconsistent terms that could widen the pay gap between VSO and similar orchestras.
As the impasse continues, the musicians face the prospect of striking for the first time in the orchestra’s 107-year history.