Wardrobe Union Authorizes Strike Against New York City Opera

Members of Local 764, the wardrobe union, voted to authorize a strike against New York City Opera, The New York Times reported yesterday.

The strike could happen at any time. City Opera’s season is scheduled to begin on September 9th with a production of Handel’s Alcina. According to the article, the sticking point in negotiations has to do with salary increases, namely City Opera’s proposal of 1.5-2.5% over a four-year contract. The union’s contract expired in November.

Alcina, the season opener, features scenery by Neil Patel, costumes by Martin Pakledinaz, and lighting by Mark McCullough. Other new productions scheduled for the fall season include Lucia di Lammermoor (scenery by Christine Jones, costumes by Constance Hoffman, lighting by Scott Zielinski), and La Finta Giardineria (scenery by Michael Yeargan, costumes by Susan Hilferty, lighting by Robert Wierzel).

To read the Times story, click here