Musicians get pay hikes in Montreal Symphony deal

The Montreal Symphony Orchestra and its musicians have reached an agreement on a new contract just in time for the opening of their new concert hall.

The union confirmed today its members had voted overwhelmingly in favour of a four-year deal that runs until August 2014.

The new contract gives the 92 musicians annual wage increases of between 2.5 per cent and three per cent. They will also get an amount equivalent to two per cent of base salary to be used on a multimedia project.

Improvements have also been made to workload, one of the main issues during negotiations. The deal sets out a maximum workday and work week.

Negotiations began several months ago butdragged as both sides haggled over the new deal.

Both sides agreed to a bargaining sprint starting last week in a bid to reach a deal before the new concert hall opens on Wednesday.