After a period of discord, harmony has been restored as seventy-seven talented symphony orchestra musicians in Vancouver have reached a promising agreement with the Vancouver Symphony Society (VSS).
The Vancouver Musicians’ Association (VMA) Local 145 had taken a stand by walking off the job on September 26, leading to the unfortunate cancellation of several performances at the iconic Orpheum.
In a show of unity, the VMA had presented their final offer to the VSS back in July, and following a strong mandate from its members with a 97.4% vote in favor of job action, negotiations ensued.
Throughout the talks in September, the union emphasized the importance of fair wage increases to attract and retain top musical talent, alongside acknowledging the sacrifices made during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While initial discussions on wages hit a roadblock, a breakthrough was achieved after two additional days of mediation last week, resulting in a promising “agreement in principle,” as stated by VMA President Audrey Patterson.
Patterson also highlighted the dedication of the musicians, noting their prompt return to rehearsals and upcoming performances this weekend, emphasizing that their passion for music drives them forward.
The successful resolution was further buoyed by an overwhelming wave of support from both local audiences and fellow orchestras worldwide, underscoring the significance of community backing in the world of music.