Composite story
Cleveland Orchestra musicians unanimously authorize a strike as contract talks stall
Cleveland, OhioPublished 6 Sep 2026
w_lemay / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
The players voted Thursday outside Severance Music Center. Their extension runs through Sept. 23. They want pay that keeps up with inflation, injury rules, and a say in hiring.
Cleveland Orchestra musicians unanimously authorized a strike Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, at a press conference outside Severance Music Center. Their last contract expired Aug. 30 and was extended to Sept. 23. Violinist Elayna Duitman said compensation has lagged inflation and other Big Five orchestras, and that eight seats are open. Management said it would not negotiate in the media and pointed to the Sept. 23 extension. The last strike, in 2010, lasted less than two days.
Disputed facts
None yet.
Shared opinions
None yet.
Disputed opinions
None yet.
Cleveland Orchestra musicians vote to authorize strike
Published 3 Sep 2026 accessed 6 Sep 2026
Facts
Elayna Duitman said the Cleveland Orchestra is considered one of the Big Five American orchestras, with New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston.
The Cleveland Orchestra said it continues to negotiate in good faith, citing the Sept. 23 extension agreed Sept. 2.
DiCosimo said repetitive-motion injuries are common in every workforce.
Opinion
Fox 8 said Cleveland Orchestra musicians are taking a major step in contract talks with management.
Duitman said the Cleveland Orchestra is in danger of losing its status as a Big Five orchestra.
Fox 8 said safety is also a major concern in the talks.
Union representatives said they are concerned about a work environment where those injuries can continue.
The Cleveland Orchestra's musicians could strike over contract issues
Published 3 Sep 2026 accessed 6 Sep 2026
Facts
Cleveland Orchestra musicians could soon strike if long-running contract issues are not resolved.
The bargaining committee wants a voice in the orchestra's artistic direction.
The musicians' most recent contract expired August 30.
Duitman said the musicians' compensation package has failed to keep up with inflation.
Elayna Duitman said about a quarter of a million people attend the orchestra's live concerts each year.
Duitman said the orchestra is not holding auditions for the upcoming season.
Duitman said the musicians bring classical music to local Cleveland audiences and teach the next generation.
Duitman said there are currently eight open seats in the ensemble.
The conflict comes as the orchestra prepares for Franz Welser-Möst's 25th and final season as music director.
Last fall the orchestra's financial report showed a small surplus and a $329 million endowment.
The 2010 strike came when the orchestra faced a $2 million deficit and a dwindling endowment.
Contract negotiations resumed Thursday after the musicians' press conference.
Opinion
Duitman said skipping auditions will mean fewer musicians on stage and more work and injuries.
Duitman said contract issues should not wait for a successor because they need to be resolved now.
Cleveland Orchestra musicians take strike vote, negotiations continue
Published 4 Sep 2026 accessed 6 Sep 2026
Facts
Cleveland Orchestra musicians continued to negotiate a new contract with management Friday.
Musicians want a bigger part of the audition and hiring process.
WOIO reported this would be only the second strike by the union.
Opinion
No opinion marked.