Solidarity in Numbers

More than 100 members from various unions, including Chicago Federation of Musicians, SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local, Equity Chicago and the Chicago Federation of Labor were out in force on March 19 for a press conference and rally outside Orchestra Hall in support of the striking Chicago Symphony Orchestra Musicians. Speakers at the event included SAG-AFTRA VP of Mid-Size Locals Ilyssa Fradin and SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local Executive Director Eric Chaudron.

The Orchestra and its union, the Chicago Federation of Musicians, have been on strike against the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association since March 11, after more than 11 months of contract negotiations. The Association is demanding radical cuts that would not only weaken the musicians’ wages but also diminish their health care benefits and destroy their 50-year-old pension plan. SAG-AFTRA members have been walking the picket line with other union members daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Orchestra is one of the city’s most treasured gems, a Chicago institution for 128 years.

Photo: Proud union members walk the CSO strike picket line on March 19.