Cape Symphony Musicians Vote to Unionize

January 12, 2017

CCB MEDIA: File photo

HYANNIS – The musicians who play for the Cape Symphony Orchestra have voted to unionize.

The 48-25 vote to join the American Federation of Musicians will allow them to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the Symphony.

A statement from Cape Arts and Entertainment Board of Trustees Chairman Douglas MacDonald said they respect the vote by their members.

“We have every confidence that our past, direct interactions with orchestra members were fair and effective and that the relationship between management and the orchestra was constructive,” he said.

The statement also said that the Symphony did not expect the decision to unionize by the musicians to have any impact on their ongoing work.

“We understand that many members of our orchestra have been represented by the American Federation of Musicians in other community orchestras and are comfortable with that approach,” the statement said.

According to the union’s website, the labor group represents 80,000 musicians in the United States and Canada, performing in orchestras, festivals, clubs and theaters, both on Broadway and on tour.