CHICAGO (AP) – Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is offering help to end a nearly two-month strike by musicians with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which he calls “the crown jewel” of the city’s cultural landscape.
Mayor Emanuel said in a written statement Wednesday that no one wants to see Chicago’s cultural “jewel tarnished” and so he was offering his office “to serve as a forum where both parties can work in good faith” to resolve lingering differences.
Around 100 musicians have been on strike since March 11. The union is at odds with management over pension and wage issues. The striking musicians have received support from congressmen, theater performers and their own maestro, Italian conductor Riccardo Muti.
Emanuel said he has spoken to both sides and believed an agreement should be within reach.
