Vancouver Symphony Orchestra musicians’ strike ends, tentative deal reached with employer

Seventy-seven striking symphony orchestra musicians and the Vancouver Symphony Society (VSS) have reached a tentative agreement.

Members of the Vancouver Musicians’ Association (VMA) Local 145 officially walked off the job on Sept. 26, forcing the cancellation of numerous performances at the Orpheum.

The VMA says its employer, the VSS, provided a final offer in mid-July. By the end of the month, the musicians voted 97.4 per cent in favour of job action.

The parties met to negotiate in early September, with union members seeking wage increases “that will ensure the orchestra remains competitive when attracting and retaining the very best musicians,” and recognition of “substantial cuts voluntarily taken” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the parties were not able to agree on wages at the time.

VMA President Audrey Patterson says two more days of mediation last week concluded in an “agreement in principle.”

Patterson says the musicians will not wait for the deal to be ratified before performing again.

“They are back to work on Wednesday for rehearsals, and they have shows this weekend,” she said.

Patterson credits the progress, in part, to an outpouring of support the musicians received.

“From not just their audiences, but also from orchestras around the world.”

—With files from Renee Bernard