Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra musicians ratified a new four-year contract today, ending the strike that began in September.  Last week an anonymous donor stepped forward with a $700,000 gift that led to a breakthrough in negotiations.

The contract, reached after two days of federal mediation and more than a year of bargaining, runs through July 31, 2020. Under the terms of the contract, wages will remain at their current levels for years one and two. In year three, musicians will receive a weekly pay increase of 2%, followed by 2.5% in year four. The musicians first paid week back will begin on December 26.