After a 15-month lockout, the musicians and management of the Minnesota Orchestra announced on Jan. 14 that they have reached a new three-year contract agreement, bringing to a close the longest labor dispute in the history of American classical music.

The bitter dispute was prompted by management’s effort to save $5 million in labor costs, which it claimed was necessary to help close the orchestra’s deficit.

The contract that went into effect on Feb. 1 includes a 15 percent cut to the musicians’ pay, significantly less than the 40 percent cut management had originally sought. It will also change the pay and rules for public outreach work, chamber concerts, weekend rehearsals and overtime.

Management locked the orchestra out in late 2012 after six months of fractious negotiations. The musicians continued to perform during the lockout as the “Musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra,” raising more than $600,000.

Minneapolis Star Tribune, Jan. 18
Washington Post, Jan. 14, 15