Striking is the New Black

Yeh, we're actually sick of people saying "XXX is the new black" but like we said, we have Friday brain, so whatev! And it seems like striking is the new cool thing to do in Chicago. Recently there was the teachers' strike, then the threatened striking of Sun-Times workers, and now the Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians have been told that a strike is imminent. Yesterday they were told to clean out their lockers at the Symphony Center in preperation.

The musicians' contract, which was extended on Sept. 2, will expire on October 31 and the two sides are reportedly far from an agreement. Sources say that major issues like salaries, health care, pensions, and work rules have barely been discussed in recent weeks.

A CSO spokeswoman says that they are continuing to work with their mediator and that the musicians are trying to resolve the contract prior to the dealine. Also, that they plan to play their scheduled concerts next week.

That's all.. and now Chicagoist is officially on STRIKE! Kidding, it's actually quite the opposite, with the expanded election coverage planned for the weekend!