(Saratoga Springs) The musicians have authorized a strike against the Philadelphia Orchestra if negotiations fail to replace the four-year collective agreement which expires on September 10.

Local 77 of the American Federation of Musicians said Sunday that 95% of voting members had approved the strike authorization the day before. Along with a pay and benefits agreement, the union said it wanted 15 vacancies filled.

Base salary in 2022-23 was $152,256, including electronic media deal salaries, the union said. Each musician received an additional payment of $750 or $1500 for each year of the contract.

“We are disappointed with the decision of the local American Federation of Musicians 77 and the musicians of the Philadelphia Orchestra to authorize a strike,” management said in a statement. We will continue to negotiate in good faith towards a fiscally responsible agreement that secures the economic and artistic future of musicians. »

The orchestra wrapped up its summer residency at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Saturday. The musical director, Quebecer Yannick Nézet-Séguin, wore a blue jersey supporting the union during a public rehearsal in Saratoga on August 11.

The 2023-2024 season at Philadelphia’s Verizon Hall, located at the Kimmel Cultural Campus, is set to open Sept. 28, with Mr. Nézet-Séguin leading a program that includes cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

The orchestra filed for bankruptcy in 2011 and bailed out a year later. The musicians went on strike on September 30, 2016, causing the cancellation of that season’s opening night, then announced a deal two days later.

Last month, the orchestra canceled a four-concert tour of California with principal guest conductor Nathalie Stutzmann, scheduled for March, and was replaced by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, whose musical director is Ms. Stutzmann.