Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Tuesday endorsed striking members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra amid a tense standoff between the musicians and management.
The strike began March 10 in response to a proposal by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) to alter the musicians’ pension plan to a direct contribution plan rather than the previous defined-benefit plan. CSOA President Jeff Alexander told the musicians that pension obligations have climbed from $803,000 to $3.8 million in two years, according to the Chicago Tribune.
{mosads}The musicians have attracted support from high-profile local and national figures in the Democratic Party.
“It is an honor to send my greetings to the men and women of the Chicago Federation of Musicians. Every day, your incredible talents and hard work enrich the community,” Pelosi said in a statement. “Democrats stand in solidarity with you in asking the Chicago Symphony to come to the table with respect for the value of your work.”
Meanwhile, mayoral candidate Toni Preckwinkle (D) appeared with the musicians in a Tuesday press conference in front of Symphony Center, while fellow candidate Lori Lightfoot (D) tweeted in support of the strikers last week.
Members of Illinois’ congressional delegation, including Democratic Reps. Danny Davis, Chuy Garcia, Robin Kelly and Bill Foster, also rallied in support of the musicians on Tuesday.