Following the news that the union for Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians had authorized the first strike in the ensemble’s 145-year history, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Musicians’ Association, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra Players’ Committee agreed to a 48-hour extension of its current labor agreement.

The current extension will be valid until 11:59 p.m. on August 25, 2026. However, a ratification vote is pending.

Eunice and Julian Cohen President and Chief Executive Officer, Chad Smith announced the extension on Sunday August 23, 2026.

On Saturday, August 22, the Boston Musicians’ Association issued a statement ahead of the expiration of the union’s three-year contract stating, “In spite of the turmoil of the last six months caused by BSO’s leadership decision to terminate the orchestra’s musical director, Andris Nelsons, they have failed to agree to a collective bargaining agreement that would begin to restore the trust that they have destroyed and offer a fair contract to the musicians who are at the heart and soul of the BSO.”