The Musicians of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, represented by the American Federation of Musicians Local 101-473, announced that their members have voted to authorize a strike.

The measure was passed with a 98.4% percent of voting musicians in favor, following months of negotiations with the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) that have failed to produce a fair agreement.

The vote gives the musicians’ negotiating committee the authority to call a strike at a time of its choosing.

The news comes after months of the orchestra has been working without a new contract. According to a statement earlier this month, the orchestra has not had a new contract since June and no new deal is in place, despite months of negotiations and a season of warnings from musicians and the community.

Musicians of the Dayton Philharmonic in a statement. “For months, we have shown up, performed for our community, and bargained in good faith while the DPAA has answered with cuts. This vote sends an unmistakable message: we are united, and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to protect live orchestral music in this community. The DPAA still has every opportunity to avoid a work stoppage, and we are asking them to come back to the table with real solutions and to invest in the orchestra this community has built and sustained for generations.”

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