Metropolitan Opera Strikes Deal with Two Unions: Lock Out Called Off

The New York Times is reporting that the Metropolitan Opera has reached a tentative deal with both the American Federation of Musicians and AGMA, which represents singers and choristers. As a result, the lock out of all unions, which was originally scheduled for July 31 then postponed to August 7, has been called off.

The introduction of a federal mediator and an independent financial analyst seems to have paved the way for the agreements, averting a lockout that would have damaged all parties. Previous strikes, in 1969 and 1980, caused a great deal of pain at the box office, both in terms of lost performances and subscribers who stayed away when performances resumed.

The Met still must reach agreements with a number of unions, including several ITASE locals, but this agreement may provide a template for all other negotiations. The terms of the AFM and AGMA agreements were not announced.

For the full Times story, go to the URL listed below.