On Oct. 5, they ratified a five-year agreement, the longest in more than 30 years, which provides a substantial pay increase.

The musicians\' current annual salary will increase from about $95,000 to just over $120,000 by 2012.

The agreement, reached after five months of negotiations, brings the salaries of the Minnesota Orchestra members closer to salary levels at the nation\'s top orchestras.

"We are pleased that the contract reflects the orchestra’s standing as one of the best in the country," reported Wendy Williams, flutist, and chair of the Minnesota Orchestra Members Committee.

Reprinted from the Minneapolis Labor Review.