General Manager Peter Gelb Gives 72 Hour Extension on Met Opera Negotiations

Statement from Tino Gagliardi, president of the Met Orchestra' union, Local 802, AFM:

"Peter Gelb announced that he will not declare a lockout tonight. That is a constructive move. However, he stated that this is a one-time gesture and that he will not offer any further extensions if an agreement is not reached within 72 hours. Settling this dispute in three days is highly unrealistic given Gelb's proposed draconian cuts.

We will return to the bargaining table tomorrow, and we are prepared to do so every day after tomorrow if the mediation effort is proceeding in good faith. Why then would Mr. Gelb once again threaten a lockout if negotiations are moving forward? Declaring a lockout would gravely undermine the mediation process and make it extremely difficult to reach a successful outcome, especially in time to save the 2014-2015 season.

It is our hope that the mediated negotiations will finally yield transparency on the part of Met management, requiring it to prove why it needs upwards of $30 Million in cuts to address a deficit of $2.8 million. We also trust that the mediator will urge management to acknowledge its overspending and role in falling revenues. We also hope that the mediator requires the Met to give full and genuine consideration to the cost-saving suggestions offered by the musicians, totaling $37.8 Million, which includes concessions resulting in lower pay for workers, significantly reducing the Met's labor costs."