Press Release

Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on Metropolitan Opera Workers

The Metropolitan Opera in New York City is one of the most renowned operas in the world, and it has thrived thanks to union labor. Fifteen of the Met’s sixteen union contracts expire tonight at midnight.  The Met’s general manager, Peter Gelb, is threatening to lock out his employees on Friday if they don’t agree to cut their wages and benefits by up to sixteen percent.

Workers at the Met and their unions have been trying hard to find an agreement that addresses the financial claims made by the Met in a way that does not jeopardize the livelihoods of the Met’s workers and their families. Unfortunately, the workers’ calls for cooperation and collaboration have been rejected.

Unions at the Met represent 2,500 professionals in many specialties. They include dancers, the chorus, stage directors, soloists, skilled craftspeople, costume specialists, box office employees, hair and makeup artists, live broadcast technicians, scenic artists, and musicians. These skilled workers have been critical to the Met’s fame and success.

The eyes of the world are on Peter Gelb and the Met right now. Let’s hope he reverses course and starts working cooperatively with the employees of the Met to get the job done.

Contact: Sean Savett (202) 637-5018