Musicians from other theaters join Chicago Symphony Orchestra picket line
CHICAGO (Fox 32 News) - Cast and crew members from "Hamilton", "A Bronx Tale", "Chicago Fire", and "The Second City" joined the striking musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on Tuesday.
The CSO strike has entered its second week with no end in sight. Concerts are canceled through Monday.
Heather Boehm, a violinist in "Hamilton" and president of the Chicago area chapter of the Theater Musicians Association, said the organization "applauds the CMA musicians for standing together [and] for resisting divide and conquer tactics that will put future hires and musicians at a disadvantage when they face retirement."
Illinois' congressional delegation including Representatives Cheri Bustos, Danny Davis, Bill Foster, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Bobby Rush, Jan Schakowsky and Brad Schneider also joined the striking musicians Tuesday.
Congresswoman Schakowsky could be heard telling musicians "Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House, just loves you. She couldn't get here. But the speaker of the House stands with you."
Negotiating sticking points include what the musicians call "inadequate" salary increases and a change to their pension plan.
In response, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association believes the musician's proposal could put the future of the orchestra in jeopardy.