National Symphony Orchestra Players Go on Strike, Canceling Gala

The musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington walked off the job on Friday, escalating months of tense labor talks and forcing the cancellation of the ensemble’s opening gala this weekend.

The strike, the group’s first since 1978, came after the players and management failed to reach an agreement on wages and other issues during negotiations to replace a contract that expired this month.

Nearly 100 musicians in matching red shirts picketed on Friday outside the Kennedy Center, the orchestra’s home, holding signs that said, “No pay, no play!” and “Keep the N.S.O. world class!”

“It’s time to take action to demand the respect these musicians deserve,” said Edgardo Malaga Jr., the president of the players’ union, Local 161-710 of the American Federation of Musicians. “Management is abdicating its responsibility for all of these artists.”

The Kennedy Center, which oversees the ensemble, said that it was disappointed by the strike and that gala tickets — the major fund-raising event was scheduled for Saturday — would be refunded. The center also warned that future performances could be affected.

“The Kennedy Center remains committed to working in good faith toward a fair contract that will enable the institution to shape its future in a way that is both responsible and economically sustainable,” the organization said in a statement.