Met Opera Building Workers Rally at Lincoln Center
Friday, July 25, 2014 - 12:00 AM
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Members of the service workers' union 32BJ gathered outside Lincoln Center to protest proposed benefit cuts
The union representing the Metropolitan Opera’s janitors,
ushers and security guards held a rally Thursday afternoon at Lincoln
Center, a day after the company's management warned of a potential lockout.
The workers were protesting what they called the "Met Opera's Poverty
Proposal." They say benefit cuts and wage freezes would put a difficult
strain on them – more than on the other unionized staff.
Rex Romero is a porter with the Met. "You've got a bunch of
people like myself who work at the Met in office services, in security,
in building services, and even the ushers and the safety men, who –
there's no way," he said. "And not to diminish the other unions who are
involved in this but, you know, we don’t get paid what they get paid."
Romero expects Met general manager will carry through on a lockout if a deal isn't reached. "I think that the way things are going, he'll lock us out August 1 if he could but we don’t want that," he said. "But we’ll do whatever it takes to make sure that doesn’t happen."
About 150 Met workers are part of 32BJ SEIU, the country's largest property service workers union. Fifteen of the Met's 16 union contracts expire on July 31. The Met is seeking deep concessions for the first time in decades, as it faces to slowing box office revenues and reluctant donors. Labor costs eat up about two-thirds of the company’s budget.
Romero expects Met general manager will carry through on a lockout if a deal isn't reached. "I think that the way things are going, he'll lock us out August 1 if he could but we don’t want that," he said. "But we’ll do whatever it takes to make sure that doesn’t happen."
About 150 Met workers are part of 32BJ SEIU, the country's largest property service workers union. Fifteen of the Met's 16 union contracts expire on July 31. The Met is seeking deep concessions for the first time in decades, as it faces to slowing box office revenues and reluctant donors. Labor costs eat up about two-thirds of the company’s budget.
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Comments [13]
The people making the least amount are easy targets.
The bumbling of the funds from the top cause the shortfall. So why not pick on the little guy!?!?!?!?!?!?
The bumbling of the funds from the top cause the shortfall. So why not pick on the little guy!?!?!?!?!?!?
Jul. 26 2014 07:25 PM
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All we hear is that those
responsible for putting on the Met Opera productions need agree to a
major salary cut. What steps are Peter Gelb and the Met's board taking
to reduce expenses?
We do not need anymore splashy productions such as the Ring cycle where, to cite an example, the metal plates didn't work very well.
We do not need anymore splashy productions such as the Ring cycle where, to cite an example, the metal plates didn't work very well.
Jul. 26 2014 01:57 PM
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Very true. There should be SOME
funding of the arts but not a bailout of the Met. This would be
rewarding Gelb and the rest for their incompetency. We would have a
clamoring for bailouts from everyone. We are bankrupt. Of course, we
can still bomb all over the world.
Jul. 26 2014 01:53 PM
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IT IS SAD TO CONTEMPLATE A SHUT DOWN OF THE MET AS ITS 2014-2015 SEASON IS ABOUT TO START.
UNFORTUNATELY KENNETH BENNETT HAS THE CUSTOMARY SOLUTION OF HAVING THE GOVERNMENT BAIL OUT THE MET.I GUESS HE HAS NOT LEARNED THAT WE HAVE A $17 TRILLION DOLLARS DEBT WHICH WE WILL NEVER REPAY.
WHAT GELB SHOULD DO IS TO RE-DIRECT FUNDS DONATED FOR NEW PRODUCTIONS AND USE THAT MONEY TO SUSTAIN A BALANCED BUDGET AND AT THE SAME TIME NOT ENDANGER THE LIVING CONDITION OF ITS EMPLOYEES. MILLIONS HAVE BEEN SPENT ON PRODUCTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN SUB-PAR TO DISASTEROUS. SO IT IS TIME TO TAKE A LONG LOOK AT THE MONEY MANAGEMENT AT THE MET AND STICK WITH WHATEVER PRODUCTIONS YOU HAVE SO THAT NO ONE WILL BE HURT FINANCIALLY AND THE MET WILL STAY OPEN.
UNFORTUNATELY KENNETH BENNETT HAS THE CUSTOMARY SOLUTION OF HAVING THE GOVERNMENT BAIL OUT THE MET.I GUESS HE HAS NOT LEARNED THAT WE HAVE A $17 TRILLION DOLLARS DEBT WHICH WE WILL NEVER REPAY.
WHAT GELB SHOULD DO IS TO RE-DIRECT FUNDS DONATED FOR NEW PRODUCTIONS AND USE THAT MONEY TO SUSTAIN A BALANCED BUDGET AND AT THE SAME TIME NOT ENDANGER THE LIVING CONDITION OF ITS EMPLOYEES. MILLIONS HAVE BEEN SPENT ON PRODUCTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN SUB-PAR TO DISASTEROUS. SO IT IS TIME TO TAKE A LONG LOOK AT THE MONEY MANAGEMENT AT THE MET AND STICK WITH WHATEVER PRODUCTIONS YOU HAVE SO THAT NO ONE WILL BE HURT FINANCIALLY AND THE MET WILL STAY OPEN.
Jul. 26 2014 01:32 PM
Score: 1/1
Score: 1/1
I am not wealthy enough to have a
foundation but if I did, large contributions would be made with the
provision that GELB MUST GO.
Traviata, Tosca, Un Ballo, Ring, OUT. Did not see the Parsifal. Rigoletto can stay. I thought it was a hoot.
Traviata, Tosca, Un Ballo, Ring, OUT. Did not see the Parsifal. Rigoletto can stay. I thought it was a hoot.
Jul. 26 2014 09:40 AM
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As negotiations continue to
prevent the tragedy of work stoppage, at the MET, it is of tantamount
importance, for management, at all levels, to remember all of the
unions, concerned with these negotiations, set the world's highest
standard for opera. Thus, just as the artists on the stage, backstage,
and the support staff set the world/universe standard for this art
form, so must all administrative staff do the same. It is my fervent
hope, all concerned with these critical negotiations, will examine
themselves and resolve to work together to continue this greatest of
artistic traditions, which is simply known, as the MET.
As an important aside, I ask all management and labor representatives to please be transparent in these crucial negotiations. Hopefully, this has been the case all along, but if any information has been withheld, the light of day, can only make these negotiations processes work better. I truly hope management, as well as labor, can be persuaded to realize, a lockout on July 31 is NOT an option.
A friend of mine and I already have circled the three productions we want to see this fall, and he has already gone to the trouble (some inconvenience, both for him and for his employer) to reserve the dates. Until this labor issue is settled, we cannot make the substantial cash outlay for our typical once or twice a year NYC trip from Tampa, FL, which always revolves around the MET.
As a MET Guild member and modest donor, I humbly ask that all parties engage in self-examination, and vow to do what is necessary to ensure this great company endures forever as the BEST.
Jesse R. Hankla
As an important aside, I ask all management and labor representatives to please be transparent in these crucial negotiations. Hopefully, this has been the case all along, but if any information has been withheld, the light of day, can only make these negotiations processes work better. I truly hope management, as well as labor, can be persuaded to realize, a lockout on July 31 is NOT an option.
A friend of mine and I already have circled the three productions we want to see this fall, and he has already gone to the trouble (some inconvenience, both for him and for his employer) to reserve the dates. Until this labor issue is settled, we cannot make the substantial cash outlay for our typical once or twice a year NYC trip from Tampa, FL, which always revolves around the MET.
As a MET Guild member and modest donor, I humbly ask that all parties engage in self-examination, and vow to do what is necessary to ensure this great company endures forever as the BEST.
Jesse R. Hankla
Jul. 25 2014 08:43 PM
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ONCE CLOSED, OPERA COMPANIES TEND
TO CEASE TO EXIST. This fact MUST govern our activist engagement in the
process of installing a truly appropriate general manager. This is
no joke, this is really serious business. Opera lovers will never
forgive themselves if their inaction leads to the demise of our major
cultural institution outside of the universities. The professionals
who may be helpful in working out agreements and coordination of vital
activities will have gone on to other salaried positions and are
unlikely to risk their income for a conditional arrangement that may not
last. Appealing to the lowest common denominator may be OK in sports,
but it will not work out in the serious art forms or in science.
Whatever one's tastes and background, it is important to sustain and
support the masterpieces, the icons of one's civilization. Fads do not
last. We owe it to future generations as well as our own to secure the
traditions and achievements of geniuses who gave their all and usually
did not benefit greatly financially.
Jul. 25 2014 05:28 PM
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No matter what one says, if
indeed, the MET OPERA is to close down, we have GOT TO ORGANIZE
influential people to have governmental support at least in a
transitional period. Look what happened to our space program when it was
defunded. Scientists had to find work elsewhere and to reorganize the
personnel optimally the search was difficult and some say not adequate
to the mission. The MET OPERA standards had better be more consistent
with its best years past knowing how the "keeper of the treasure" has
NOT to POLLUTE ITS CHEMISTRY WITH JUNK !!!
Comments here on the blogs and on the street reiterate the same message GET SOMEONE WITH THE EXPERIENCE IN RUNNING A MAJOR INSTITUTION LIKE THE MET OPERA TO EXCISE THE JUNK AND BRING BACK THE LOFTY STANDARDS THAT HAS MADE THE MET OPERA THE MODEL UPON WHICH OTHERS COULD DRAW INSPIRATION AND JOY !!! DO IT NOW !!!
Comments here on the blogs and on the street reiterate the same message GET SOMEONE WITH THE EXPERIENCE IN RUNNING A MAJOR INSTITUTION LIKE THE MET OPERA TO EXCISE THE JUNK AND BRING BACK THE LOFTY STANDARDS THAT HAS MADE THE MET OPERA THE MODEL UPON WHICH OTHERS COULD DRAW INSPIRATION AND JOY !!! DO IT NOW !!!
Jul. 25 2014 04:59 PM
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Both the Met and the unions need to understand that the "same old" way won't work any more.
During a "60 Minutes" piece, Peter Gelb appeared to understand that, if changes aren't made, the Met will die with its current gray beard audience.
Here are some ideas for both sides to consider:
1. Reach out to younger demographics. Do shows that include the Katy Perrys and the Drakes of the world. During these shows, introduce some approachable parts of opera ("Carmen"; "Aida") to entice the younger people to return for a full show.
2. The Live in HD is great- but may be a drain on NYC audiences. Consider not showing these programs within a 50 mile radius of the Met Opera House.
3. Put on pension fund concerts and performances - again with both opera and more modern performers. The Met should provide all aspects of the house without charge. All performers, ushers, stagehands, etc. should provide their services for free - with all net proceeds (after deductions for such things as utilities) going to the pension funds.
4. Engage a qualified, experienced mediator NOW.
During a "60 Minutes" piece, Peter Gelb appeared to understand that, if changes aren't made, the Met will die with its current gray beard audience.
Here are some ideas for both sides to consider:
1. Reach out to younger demographics. Do shows that include the Katy Perrys and the Drakes of the world. During these shows, introduce some approachable parts of opera ("Carmen"; "Aida") to entice the younger people to return for a full show.
2. The Live in HD is great- but may be a drain on NYC audiences. Consider not showing these programs within a 50 mile radius of the Met Opera House.
3. Put on pension fund concerts and performances - again with both opera and more modern performers. The Met should provide all aspects of the house without charge. All performers, ushers, stagehands, etc. should provide their services for free - with all net proceeds (after deductions for such things as utilities) going to the pension funds.
4. Engage a qualified, experienced mediator NOW.
Jul. 25 2014 03:12 PM
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I loved the new Traviata. Ditto the Parsifal and Rigoletto. Others I've been mixed on.
The workers must realize that everywhere people are seeing health plans and pensions scaled back. That doesn't make it right, but it's the way of the world.
The workers must realize that everywhere people are seeing health plans and pensions scaled back. That doesn't make it right, but it's the way of the world.
Jul. 25 2014 01:09 PM
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Ditto to what
Kenneth Bennett Lane, Lake Hiawatha, NJ from Richard Wagner Music Drama Institute, Boonton, NJ
just said.
Spot on! Stop with these "modernized" productions. The current La Traviata is pure TRASH. I will never pay to see it.
Kenneth Bennett Lane, Lake Hiawatha, NJ from Richard Wagner Music Drama Institute, Boonton, NJ
just said.
Spot on! Stop with these "modernized" productions. The current La Traviata is pure TRASH. I will never pay to see it.
Jul. 25 2014 12:59 PM
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I think it's time for the opera
lovers of NYC to do whatever it takes to get the Met management to back
down before they destroy our beloved opera company! Is there someone
out there who understands the situation and can spearhead a petition,
strike fund drive, or other action?
Jul. 25 2014 12:41 PM
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The "missing link" here is the
abject financial corruption in this country that subverts the
well-intentional resolves to improve the situation to "IT'S NOT MY
FAULT" when the ideal time arrives and no one seems to have the support
to garner the needed funds. NO OPERA COMPANY HAS EVER RETURNED AFTER
CLOSING DOWN !!! The Boston Opera and the New Orleans Opera are just
two of the many that never returned. Let's get the government to
intercede with financial support in the interim before a new
administrator who can shelve the nonsensical. purely designed for
sensationalism, productions that misrepresent the composers and
lyricists intentions. Just as an example of how even highly touted
projects have suffered, examine what has happened to NASA. It'sbeen
45 years since anything newsworthy has happened in our space program,
due to government's lack of financial support.
Jul. 25 2014 12:33 PM
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