By AP
DETROIT – Musicians who refused to accept steep pay cuts demanded by the financially struggling Detroit Symphony Orchestra have hit the picket lines.
Dozens of tuxedo-clad musicians began picketing Monday morning at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in downtown Detroit, as a French horn quartet played in the background.
Symphony management declared an impasse Sept. 1 and began implementing a 33 percent base pay cut for orchestra veterans, from $104,650 to $70,200 in the first year.
Musicians had offered a 22 percent reduction in the first year to $82,000.
No bargaining sessions are scheduled. The musicians union has filed an unfair labor practices complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.
Messages seeking comment were left Monday with symphony management officials.