St. Louis musicians near labor deal

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra reached a tentative agreement with its musicians that would end a nearly eight-week strike.

Details of the deal, which must be approved by musicians, were not released. The announcement late Thursday by Symphony Society President Randy Adams came hours after the National Labor Relations Board’s local chief had said his office would seek a court injunction to end the work stoppage.

Musicians were being notified of the contract terms by mail, and their ballots are to be counted on Tuesday, Jan Gippo, negotiating committee chairman, said. Performances could resume Friday.

The orchestra, which dates to 1880 and is the nation’s second oldest, has been shut down since Jan. 3. Musicians had voted, 85-3, against a four-year contract offer, saying it didn’t give them the raise they deserved.