Chicago Symphony union approves new contract
![chicago symphony orchestra strike_1553222026099.jpg.jpg](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox32chicago.com/www.fox32chicago.com/content/uploads/2019/08/764/432/49abbc31-chicago20symphony20orchestra20strike_1553222026099.jpg_6931090_ver1.0_640_360.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
CHICAGO (AP) - Musicians at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra have approved a new contract, a key step to ending a nearly seven-week strike.
The Chicago Federation of Musicians says the five-year deal includes a 13.2% increase in salary and protects retirement benefits. The union says musicians unanimously supported it Saturday.
The board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association also must vote on the contract. A tentative deal was reached after both sides agreed to have Mayor Rahm Emanuel participate in the talks.
About 100 musicians have been on strike since March 11 . The main issues were pensions and wages.
The striking musicians received support from congressmen, musical theater performers and their own maestro, renowned Italian conductor Riccardo Muti.