Strike Coordination Update for Vancouver Musicians Association Local 145 vs Vancouver Symphony Society
Dear Members, we have received an update from the Director of the BC Federation of Labour concerning the Vancouver Musicians Association Local 145 taking labour action upon their employer, the Vancouver Symphony Society.
A strike coordination call was held for this dispute.
Pickets will be up at the Orpheum theatre at 5pm today. Affiliates are encouraged to attend to offer support to VMA members. There is a significant event planned at the theatre that will be disrupted by pickets, and VMA members could really use our support to take this action tonight.
Members of IATSE Local 118 are invited to join the VMA picket line in solidarity with the striking workers.
Vancouver Musicians Association Local 145 vs Vancouver Symphony Society
Background:
The VMA has 77 musicians employed by the Vancouver Symphony Society. The group performs as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. VMA members rehearse and perform at the Orpheum theatre in downtown Vancouver.
The VMA has been negotiating since April of this year. Their collective agreement expired on June 30. They reached impasse in July. No substantial progress has been made since July.
The VMA received a strong strike mandate. 97.4% of members voted to strike, with a 98% turnout. Strike vote results were not publicly released initially in the hope that the high vote would help negotiations move forward. Members also engaged in a number of actions to raise awareness about the dispute – they leafletted at concerts and wore their union “blue” shirts to concerts.
- Main issues: Compensation
- Strike action commencement date: VMA is in a position to strike as of Thursday, September 25 at 3:31pm.
- Picket locations: Orpheum Theatre at 601 Smithe St, Vancouver (map). The orchestra is scheduled to perform Star Wars Return of the Jedi on the 25 and 26. Pickets may disrupt these performances.
- Impacted affiliates: Potentially impacted affiliates include CUPE 15, IATSE 118, CUPW, and IBEW.
- Support requested: The VMA is asking affiliates to advise their members of the potential picket lines, ask them to honour the lines as workers or as customers of the VSO. They are also asking affiliates to send letters supporting the union and workers ( See attached PDF template letter). You can send your letter to our CEO at: Angela@vancouversymphony.ca .