Montreal Symphony Ends Strike

Montreal Symphony musicians have approved a new contract, ending their strike, begun last May. “On Monday, the musicians voted 96 per cent in favour of a tentative agreement reached this weekend. They had been without a contract since Aug. 31, 2003. The new seven-year deal is retroactive and will give the players an 18.23 per cent salary increase over the next seven years, as well as improved premiums and pension benefits. It expires in 2010.”