Budget woes sowing discord at Detroit orchestra

DETROIT (AP) — The battle between musicians and management over a tight budget is raising fears about the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s status as a national institution.

The musicians voted Saturday to reject a 29 percent first-year pay cut and authorize a strike should contract talks fail. The union offered to take a 22 percent pay cut in the first year of a three-year agreement.

Musicians say the proposed cuts would keep the orchestra from attracting top talent. Orchestra officials say the economy is bad and they can’t spend more than they take in.

Orchestra management consultant Drew McManus says they represent the most dramatic cuts he’s seen. He’s concerned the labor strife could harm the reputation of one of the nation’s top professional ensembles.