Local Unions Keep Eye on Possible NYC Lock-Out
Wednesday, July 30, 2014(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.