La Scala Workers Strike Forcing 'La Boheme' to Not Perform

According to Variety, Milan's La Scala opera house was forced to cancel the first three performances of "La Boheme" due to a labor strike.

Disputes over contract renewals effected Monday's performance of the Puccini opera, which is being produced by Franco Zeffirelli. Shows on July 9 and 11 will also be effected.

According to Variety Union spokesman Giancarlo Albori said Wednesday that talks with management were continuing, and that a definite decision on strike action would probably come this Friday. Opera unions are demanding pay hikes totaling e13 million ($20.3 million) over four years; management at the Milan opera house is offering $17.5 million with conditions.

The strike is the third to hit La Scala in the last four years. Last November, a performance of Verdi's Requiem was cancelled after 800 workers, including 135 musicians and 107 in the chorus, walked out over a row over pay and conditions. In 2005, disputes between staff and the then musical director, Riccardo Muti, lead to strikes and an investigation by the Italian Senate.