Radio station WQXR reports the possibility of serious labor problems for Metropolitan Opera employees, even a lockout of the orchestra:
The union representing the singers, dancers, and production staff at the Metropolitan Opera is telling its members to expect an “epic battle” in upcoming contract talks.The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) said on Tuesday evening that it has warned its members that the opera company will lock them out if they don’t accept pay cuts of 10 to 15 percent and other, unspecified work rule changes.
In a sharply worded press release, AGMA executive director Alan Gordon said he is advising singers' agents to "begin to explore other work opportunities for their clients" and to "prepare for the absence of Met income in the fall and winter of 2014, and perhaps even longer." The current contract expires on July 31.
In a response, the Met did not address the predictions of a lockout — which would prevent musicians from working and receiving a paycheck — but cited recent financial difficulties.
"The Met’s primary goal is to safeguard the long-term future of the institution, while maintaining its strength and stability, protecting the livelihood of our employees, and doing all we can to best serve opera lovers," the statement read. "While negotiations have yet to even begin with the unions representing our employees and no proposals have been made, there are significant economic challenges that we face, including a recent decline in ticket sales — an unfortunate situation that we share with other opera companies across the nation."
The musicians' website does not mention the situation.