BSO musicians file charges against orchestra

The Baltimore Symphony Musicians union filed charges on Monday against BSO management, accusing it of bad-faith bargaining after locking out the musicians all summer. They returned to the bargaining table Monday but after management insisted on proposals that included 20% wage and benefit cuts, the union’s negotiating committee unanimously recommended rejection of the “take it or leave it” offer. A vote was scheduled for Tuesday night. “This is a dark day in the history of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra,” Musicians said in a statement. “This dispute isn’t just about money. It is also about respect, respect for the quality of the musicians on stage, respect for generations of Marylanders who have built this orchestra and for the thousands of people who have bought tickets and have donated to this venerable institution.” Picketing continues this week; see Calendar, above, for details. Video: silent protest Tuesday morning.