Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFM Members on Strike Against Fort Wayne Philharmonic

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Professional musicians who are members of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Players’ Association, AFM Local 58, went on strike last week in Indiana as their contract campaign with orchestra management heats up. AFM members are demanding fair wages and better working conditions after making significant sacrifices during the pandemic.

Players’ Association Chairperson Campbell MacDonald said in a press release on Thursday: “Fort Wayne Philharmonic board and management seeks to carry forth with unacceptable rates of pay for musicians, fewer concerts and a drastically reduced presence in our community.” He added that musicians are “unified in our resolve.”