Negotiations
You Might Think The Met Labor Fight Is Between Employer And Union, But You’d Be Wrong
Thu, May 5, 2014
by Drew McManus
The New York Times published an article by Michael Cooper on 5/5/2014 that reports on the official opening of negotiations between The Metropolitan Opera (The Met) and the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), the chorus, dancer, singer, and stage manager union. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that bargaining started off in
More Rhetoric In The Met’s War Of Words
Tue, Apr 4, 2014
by Drew McManus
The 04/28/2014 edition of Deutsche Welle published an article featuring an interview with Metropolitan Opera (Met) General Manager, Peter Gelb. The interview was conducted by Gero Schliess and although not terribly long, it turns up the fire on an already heated labor dispute. Gelb’s key talking points include: The need for permanent cuts isn’t due
A Curious Start To The Met Negotiations
Wed, Apr 4, 2014
by Drew McManus
Given the mountain of negative publicity surrounding contentious labor negotiations at nonprofit performing arts organizations, it would seem that effort to avoid conflict within a broader volatile environment would be paramount for all parities. Nonetheless, The Metropolitan Opera (The MET) negotiations with three of its larger labor unions (orchestra musicians, singers, and stage crew) seems
The Data Behind Substitute Pay Rates
Tue, Feb 2, 2014
by Drew McManus
Throughout the series of posts about the substitute musician pay disparity at the Minnesota Orchestra Association there were a number of reader comments asserting anecdotal evidence over how common the practice was among professional orchestras. Since then, I’ve taken the time to evaluate the data and have uncovered some fascinating information. Before diving into the
Resolving The Pay Disparity In Minnesota
Thu, Jan 1, 2014
by Drew McManus
Although specific details have yet to be released, media reports have confirmed the new master agreement ratified by the Minnesota Orchestra Association (MOA) and its musicians contains a provision to pay substitute musicians 90 percent of the contracted musicians’ base scale rate, thereby requiring subs to shoulder a disproportionately larger share of salary concessions than
