Although the circumstances were completely different, the Symphony's strike reminded me of the CPS teachers' strike. Just like the Symphony's ticket holders that were left without a performance to watch, thousands of students and parents were affected by the CPS strike. When my American Studies class saw the play "Jitney" in the Court Theater in Chicago, there were some CPS students who were out of school while their teachers were on strike. I thought it was interesting to think about the audience members' different reasons for attending the play. We were there to make connections to our class, while they were there because they did not have class. It is not just the strikers who are affected. In the struggle for better pay and benefits, I think it is important to remember that there are always people left hanging--those who depend on the workers.
WE ARE IN A STRIKING EPIDEMIC! NFL referees, CPS teachers, NHL, and now CSO musicians! This is madness. I think that after one strike workers have started to get more greedy with their salaries. I am pretty sure that a $197,000 salary is very good, especially for a musician. I like the point you made on how strikes affect a lot of people not even involved. I am not saying that all these strikes are happening for only selfish reasons but I think that workers and bosses need to be able to compromise faster because they affect so many people while on strike.
ReplyDeleteWell first of all, the NFL referees were locked out by NFL team owners, they didn't strike. I think it it is slightly irresponsible of the musicians to strike only hours before the show because it isn't fair to their audience. However, this move helps make a larger statement about their strike, so it still makes sense. Also I find it interesting how everyone focuses on the groups like the teachers and musicians when there's a strike, after all, there are two sides to it. Many people disregard the Mayor and administrating groups of the CPS. Often times unfair management by groups like the CPS administration are the cause, not greed by the group striking. I just find it interesting that many overlook this aspect.
ReplyDelete