With the eventually settled turmoil at the Metropolitan Opera still fresh in memory, there is nothing but benign silence from the San Francisco Opera's labor negotiations. The orchestra contract expired at the end of July, but instead of accusations and recriminations, optimism radiated from the talks:
San Francisco Opera's two major contracts are with Musicians Union Local 6, AFL, for the orchestra, and AGMA for singers and dancers. Without any publicity — a good sign — negotiations with the orchestra are under way for a new contract after the current one expires at the end of next month. (The AGMA contract runs 2012 through February, 2016.)Shortly after his arrival as SFO General Manager, David Gockley successfully negotiated an orchestra contract running from 2006 through 2011. Then, in an unusual move, even during Great Recession days, the SFO administration and the Musicians Union reached a contract ahead of the deadline, to cover the period from Aug. 1, 2011, to July 31, 2014.
While still waiting for the official annuncement, it is clear that the 92nd season opened last weekend with a contract in place, one that really pleases the musicians:
After a decade of accepting cuts, our new contract with gains was passed thanks to a heroic orchestra committee. The orchestra has been standing in front of the house before the shows to greet patrons and audience members expressing our gratitude for their support.There is a new positive relationship with both the administration and the community, thanks in large part to our orchestra committee led by Kevin Rivard, Thalia Moore, and our legal counsel.
Industrial peace breaking out deserves a Standing O.