Union files complaint to stop move of NYC Opera (AP)

NEW YORK – A union representing New York City Opera workers has filed a federal complaint saying the financially troubled company's plans to move out of Lincoln Center after 45 years are aimed at undermining performers' labor rights.

The American Guild of Musical Artists says the move to a smaller venue and a shorter schedule will mean less work for union members. It filed a complaint Thursday with the National Labor Relations Board saying the opera should have negotiated with the union.

The union represents about 200 opera workers, including about 50 choristers and 10 production workers.

An opera spokeswoman says the filing is without merit. The opera announced last week it was moving out of Lincoln Center and will do only three full-scale operas next season instead of five.

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NYC Opera union seeks unfair labor practice charge (AP)

NEW YORK – A union representing workers at the financially troubled New York City Opera says it will file unfair labor practice charges after the board voted to move out of the Lincoln Center and cut staff.

National Executive Director Alan Gordon said Saturday that the American Guild of Musical Artists will also consider seeking an injunction preventing the production company from continuing to use the name New York City Opera.

On Friday, the board voted to leave the Lincoln Center, cut staff across the board and scale back its performance schedule. The opera's general manager, George Steel, says the changes are necessary to keep the opera afloat and build "a foundation for sustainable growth."

The 68-year-old organization is revered as a pillar of American culture. But in recent years, it has been struggling with a dwindling endowment and a multimillion-dollar deficit.

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