Federal Mediation Service Releases Update on Negotiations Between the New York Metropolitan Opera and Unions

At the request of the U.S. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), the Metropolitan Opera, Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians and the American Guild of Musical Artists have agreed to a process for continuing their discussions.

All three parties have agreed to retain Eugene Keilin, an independent financial analyst and highly regarded music industry expert, to conduct a confidential study of the Met's finances in an effort to help reach new labor agreements. The study commenced today and, as a result, will further extend the contracts for approximately one week to allow for the completion and evaluation of the report.

FMCS Deputy Director Allison Beck and Commissioner Kathleen Murray Cannon commend Metropolitan Opera General Manager, Peter Gelb, Local 802 President Tino Gagliardi, and AGMA Executive Director Alan Gordon for their cooperation and commitment to work with FMCS with the goal of reaching agreements that are acceptable to the parties.

FMCS, consistent with its practice, will have no further comments during this period. Due to the highly sensitive nature of these discussions, FMCS has requested and the parties have agreed to honor the confidentiality of this process.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, created in 1947, is an independent U.S. government agency whose mission is to preserve and promote labor-management peace and cooperation. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 10 district offices and 67 field offices, the agency provides mediation and conflict resolution services to industry, government agencies and communities.

SOURCE Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

Photo by Paul Masck