Met Opera Musicians Agree to Strike If Contract Talks Fail

The union representing the Metropolitan Opera’s orchestra voted Monday to authorize a strike if negotiations with management do not produce a new contract before the musicians’ current deal expires at the end of July, The New York Times writes.

The opera house, seeking to curb labor costs amid a dwindling endowment and declining ticket revenue, is seeking pay cuts and other concessions from the 16 unions that represent the Met’s staff.

“We remain hopeful that the negotiations will have a positive outcome,” said Jessica Phillips Rieske, a clarinetist who chairs the orchestra’s negotiating committee. “To maintain [the orchestra’s] level of quality, the Metropolitan Opera must compensate its musicians at a standard that allows this ensemble to continue to attract and retain world-class talent.”