Amid a wave of labour action in B.C., another union is forcing its employer to face the music.

The Vancouver Musicians’ Association (VMA) Local 145, representing more than 70 musicians involved in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO), issued a 72-hour strike notice Tuesday.

The VMA says it provided its employer, the Vancouver Symphony Society (VSS), a final offer in mid-July. By the end of the month, the musicians voted 97.4 per cent in favour of job action.

The parties met to negotiate in early September.

Union negotiators reportedly sought wage increases “that will ensure the orchestra remains competitive when attracting and retaining the very best musicians,” and sought to recognize “substantial cuts voluntarily taken” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In contrast, the VSS has made

See Full Page