Minnesota Opera Orchestra votes to authorize strike

Minnesota Opera Orchestra musicians have unanimously voted to authorize a strike after they say management proposed a second consecutive four-year contract with no wage increases.

The strike authorization comes just two weeks before the orchestra is set to begin rehearsals. The opera’s season opening performance is scheduled for Oct. 31.

Union members represented by American Federation of Musicians Local 30-73 say musicians took a pay cut during the previous round of contract negotiations four years ago in exchange for guaranteed salaries. They haven’t received raises since then, and they say management wants to keep wages flat for the next contract.

The union said it received communication from management that the proposed cost of living increases are “not, in the Opera’s assessment, in the best interests of the Opera.”

“We want to see Minnesota Opera grow again — pr...