Local Unions Keep Eye on Possible NYC Lock-Out

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

DC-area unions are keeping a close eye on negotiations at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where general manager Peter Gelb is threatening to lock out workers when contracts covering some 15 unions expire on Thursday. With many international unions affected, a lockout is expected to quickly draw national attention. Gelb is demanding millions in cuts while the unions charge him with lavish spending and failed management.“I am headed to New York to assist in negotiations on Thursday,” American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) National Director of Organizing and Training Mid-Atlantic Area Representative Eleni Kallas told Union City on Tuesday. “Locals around the nation that are currently in rehearsal are taking photos with banners or cards saying ‘Save the MET’ and posting on Face Book and other media outlets.” Other unions at the 130-year-old opera company include IATSE, AFM and SEIU 32BJ.