Minnesota Opera Orchestra musicians have unanimously voted to authorize a strike.

The vote was held after management proposed a second consecutive four-year contract with no wage increases. The strike authorization comes just two weeks before the orchestra is set to begin rehearsals and is set to open its season on Oct. 31.

The American Federation of Musicians Local 30-73, the union that represents the musicians said that the musicians took a pay cut during the previous round of contract negotiations four years ago in exchange for guaranteed salaries and since then haven’t received raises.

In a statement the union said, “We want to see Minnesota Opera grow again — producing more opera for our community and building on the artistic excellence that has defined this company for generations,” the musicians said in a statement. “A strong orchestra is essential to that future. We are committed to working this out and beginning the season with a new contract and a renewed commitment to the future of Minnesota Opera.”

The Minnesota Opera countered, noting that increased production costs and declining financial support for the arts has forced the company to “rebuild audiences and support with constructed resources.”

This is the latest company in the classical world that is facing financial and contract concerns following teh San Francisco Opera, Dayton Philharmonic, and the Nashville Symphony.

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