Spokane Symphony musicians approve new contract with raises

The Spokane Symphony Board of Trustees and musicians have reached a new two-year labor agreement that will increase musicians’ salaries by 7.5 percent. The musicians unanimously ratified the new agreement over the weekend, a news release said. “We feel that this new contract agreement is a very positive step forward from the cuts that were made in the last contract,” percussionist and orchestra Committee Chair Bryan Bogue said in the news release. Symphony musicians voted to strike in 2012 over proposed pay cuts. They eventually settled on a two-year contract with an 11 percent pay cut that expired Friday. “This new agreement recognizes the dedication and talent of our musicians, and it demonstrates our commitment to them,” said Spokane Symphony Executive Director Brenda Nienhouse.