Unionized Vancouver Symphony Orchestra musicians have officially walked off the job, resulting in several show cancellations this weekend.

VSO President Angela Elster says in a statement that the company recognizes the right of the musicians to take collective action, but is disappointed about the impact to its audiences.

VSO says in a post to its website that the work stoppage means several events will not go ahead this weekend and more information will be communicated directly with ticket holders.

Audrey Patterson, president of the board of directors for the Vancouver Musicians’ Association union, says the employer’s current offer is a 15-per-cent wage increase over three years, to which the union countered with a 23-per-cent increase over the same term.

Related: • Vancouver Sympho

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