“As the Chicago Symphony Orchestra strike stretched into its seventh week … Mayor Rahm Emanuel offered to assist,” writes Howard Reich in Thursday’s (4/25) Chicago Tribune. “ ‘After speaking with [the CSO administration and the musicians’ representatives], it appears that we should be able to achieve an end to this seven-week strike. Therefore, I am offering the services of my office to serve as a forum where both parties can work in good faith to facilitate an equitable and fair solution and that brings an end (to) the current impasse.’ The CSO musicians responded late Wednesday [with a statement,] ‘We are grateful that Mayor Emanuel recognizes the CSO as one of the city’s cultural jewels, and we welcome his offer to work together to resolve the seven-week old strike.’ … The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association … also expressed its support for Emanuel’s help. ‘On Wednesday evening, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association accepted Mayor Emanuel’s offer to assist with the current negotiations,’ said a CSOA statement early Thursday morning.… ‘We look forward to working with him and the Chicago Federation of Musicians toward a mutually acceptable contract for the members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.’ ”
Posted April 25, 2019
