By AP
DETROIT – Musicians in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra say they intend to strike Oct. 4 after talks failed to produce an agreement amid a budget battle.
Musicians spokesman cellist Haden McKay said in a statement Saturday that the musicians still hope an agreement might be reached before the strike.
The Associated Press left phone messages seeking comment from symphony management.
Management and musicians met for four hours Friday with federal and state mediators without reaching a deal.
Management said on the symphony's website that it would begin implementing its final offer, which includes a 30 percent base pay cut for orchestra veterans. Musicians had offered a 22 percent reduction in the first year to $82,000.