Fox News Flash top headlines for December 9
Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.
Fort Wayne Philharmonic musicians have begun their first strike in the organization's history after performing for more than three months without a contract.
The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Players’ Association began their work stoppage Thursday afternoon, following a day of negotiations with the philharmonic’s management. The musicians are members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 58.
Campbell MacDonald, the players’ association's chairman, said during a Thursday evening rally outside Embassy Theatre that the musicians feel they’ve been "forced into this position."
He said in a statement that the philharmonic’s management "has yet to propose pay that allows us to afford basic needs, and is married to the elimination of full-time positions."
The Fort Wayne, Ind., Philharmonic Orchestra have gone on the first strike in the organization's history over a contract dispute. (Fox News)
Philharmonic President and CEO Brittany Hall said at a Thursday news conference that management is "deeply disappointed" with the union’s decision to strike. She said the union has requested a 46% wage increase while management has proposed an 11.5% increase.
MASSACHUSETTS TEACHERS' STRIKE CANCELS CLASSES IN 2 CITIES
Hall said the philharmonic’s position was necessary to maintain the organization’s financial "long-term health and well-being."
No concert cancellations had been announced by Thursday evening, but the strike could affect one or more concerts, The Journal Gazette reported.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The musicians had been performing under the terms of a bargaining agreement that expired Sept. 1. That agreement was reached in May 2021 after about two years of contract negotiations, nine months of player furloughs and dozens of concerts canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
