Toronto symphony musicians win strike, 1999

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra strike happened in 1999. It lasted for 11 weeks. This strike was developed due to prior pay cuts and minimal wages.

In 1991 the orchestra started developing financial problems. By 1992 pay cuts were made for both musicians and the management; otherwise, the orchestra would have had to file for bankruptcy. Musicians reluctantly accepted, hearing promises that the pay cuts would eventually be paid back in 1995 during the next labour discussions.

In 1993-94 the symphony fell over three million dollars in debt leading into the 1995 labour negotiations. Again the players settled for a four-year deal at the same wage because of this debt. 

Between 1992 and 1999, while the players in the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) stood pat with their wages, the Montreal Symphony and National Arts Centre Orchestras successfully struck and zoomed past the TSO in terms of musicians’ salaries.

When 1999 came and the players were still earning nine percent less than they were in 1992, they, along with everyone else in the music industry knew it was time to make a stand. The musicians began their on 25 September 1999 and remained on strike for about 11 weeks ending on 15 December 1999.

The players viewed the strike as a victory after being rewarded a 29.8% salary increase over the next four years.  Despite being described as an outstanding orchestra, after the strike the TSO continued to be in financial turmoil and continues to struggle presently.