On August 24, 2020, The Knoxville Symphony Society gave a notice to the musicians of their orchestra, furloughing them without pay for five months, a move which violates the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the KSO and the American Federation of Musicians, Local 546.

A number of affected musicians have filed grievances in order to contest the decisions and secure contractually guaranteed pay.

“This decision by the KSO to strip away our livelihood and healthcare in the middle of a pandemic is cruel and unconscionable,” Steve Benne, chair of the musicians’ orchestra committee and member of AFM Local 546, said in a press release.

“We’ve been working with the KSO for several months to offer extra flexibility and innovative ideas for putting on safe performances that bring music into our community and schools at a time when everyone needs it most.  In return, and without any advance warning, the KSO furloughed us a week before our season was about to begin.”

While many companies have been forced to furlough artists, KSO’s decision is a rare case where there is no compensation or plan in place to support their contracted musicians.