Unionized musicians with the San Francisco Opera are going on strike after negotiations for a new contract failed to produce satisfactory results. The announcement was made via social media. In turn, the SF Opera cancelled a performance of Verdi's Simon Boccanegra set to open its 104th season.
As ABC7 reports, the orchestra musicians state they made their decision with "heavy hearts" while emphasizing that they "have no choice but to stop work" without a fair contract in hand.
SF Opera responded with its own statement that underscored the challenges of operating with a looming structural deficit of $15 million despite robust ticket sales and donations.
"San Francisco Opera is increasing revenues as much as possible, but expense reduction is also critical," SF Opera stated, per ABC7. "The Opera Orchestra's compensation structure has become increasingly out of alignment with the volume of work available and we must make gradual adjustments to the structure so that it better reflects the needs of this time."
Issues between the two sides first arose after the orchestra's current agreement from two years ago expired on July 31, as SFist previously reported. The musicians at the center of the dispute are represented by the American Federation of Musicians Local 6.
Per ABC7, opera management initially proposed a 26% pay cut, which union representatives assert would have reduced the orchestra players' compensation to be line with what they were earning back in 2015. A subsequent proposal for a five-year wage freeze was also refused, leading to the choice to strike as the SF Opera prepares to kickoff its 104th season.
Citing public filings, the union also highlighted a 72% increase in salary for the opera's general director between the 2022 and 2025 fiscal years in making its case for increased compensation.
Related: Ghirardelli’s SF Flagship Store Closes as Union Workers Begin Three-Day Strike
Join the conversation
Comments
Comments load automatically as this section approaches.