Spokane symphony musicians, board reach agreement

The Spokane Symphony musicians and board of directors announced today they have reached an agreement settling a four-week strike. After a weekend of intense bargaining, the musicians voted Monday night to approve a two-year contract that includes an 11 percent pay cut and three weeks unpaid personal leave. The pay cut comes in the form of reduced guaranteed services, which include rehearsals, concerts and educational events. The pay cut means core musicians will make about $15,539 a year, down from $17,460, in 160 guaranteed services. The announcement comes just two days before “The Nutcracker” ballet is set to begin. In the negotiations leading up to the strike, the symphony proposed a 13.3 percent pay cut in a contract that had no second-year guarantees, and the musicians said they would concede to a 6.6 percent cut. Musician spokesman Adam Wallstein called the agreed-upon contract painful, but said the musicians are happy to get back to work. Five concerts were cancelled while the musicians were on strike. “The Nutcracker” begins Thursday. The board said last week it would used recorded music for the performance if an agreement was not reached in time.