S.F. Symphony Players Declare Strike as Deal Talks Falter

The San Francisco Symphony’s musicians walked out Wednesday after what the players’ union had termed last-ditch negotiations the previous day broke down, writes the San Francisco Chronicle.

Musicians signaled last week that they would strike if talks Tuesday with management and a federal mediator did not yield a deal. Violist David Gaudry, the musicians’ lead negotiator, said San Francisco players are seeking pay parity with comparable orchestras in Los Angeles and Chicago.

Brent Assink, the symphony’s executive director, said he organization has operated at a deficit for four years running. “Under these circumstances, it is important for every orchestra to look carefully at its finances,” he said, adding that management was preparing a revised proposal to submit to musicians Thursday.