Hartford Symphony Cited in Pact Dispute With Musicians

The National Labor Relations Board in Hartford says the Hartford Symphony Orchestra has failed to bargain in good faith in negotiations with the musicians' union.

The American Federation of Musicians Local 400 said Tuesday the orchestra offered contracts for six weeks in the summer rather than the entire year. Joseph Messina, the local union's president, said the symphony was required by May 1 to offer at least the terms of the previous contract.

The NLRB said changes must be negotiated with the union, which it said the symphony failed to do.

David Fay, president of the symphony, says it's bargaining in good faith and hopes to soon resolve all contract issues.

Musicians accuse the symphony of proposing a 40 percent pay cut while the symphony says it needs to appeal to changing audiences and boost revenue.