Striking Chicago musicians approve 5-year contract
CHICAGO (AP) - Musicians at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra have approved a new contract, a key step to ending a nearly seven-week strike.
The Chicago Federation of Musicians says the five-year deal includes a 13.2% increase in salary and protects retirement benefits. The union says musicians unanimously supported it Saturday.
The board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association also must vote on the contract. A tentative deal was reached after both sides agreed to have Mayor Rahm Emanuel participate in the talks.
About 100 musicians have been on strike since March 11 . The main issues were pensions and wages.
The striking musicians received support from congressmen, musical theater performers and their own maestro, renowned Italian conductor Riccardo Muti.