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The dismantling of Americas cultural infrastructure has begun.
Non-union staff, including members of management, arent being furloughed, but senior staff will take pay cuts.
General manager Peter Gelb will give up his salary for the duration of the disruption, the company said.
We look forward to being reunited in the fall with a new season.
Thats a significant step, not contractually required.
Were trying to do the right thing, given the financial resources that are available.
We believe that immediate governmental assistance is essential to avoid a brutal outcome for these musicians.
Its seeking legislation that will guarantee furloughed workers access to health care and unemployment benefits.
Full-time union members will be paid through March 31, and keep their health insurance.
First of all, we know thats not a foregone conclusion.
Egert said the union first entered negotiations regarding the furlough settlement on March 15.
We certainly understand these are extremely difficult times.
This is no doubt going to take huge financial toll on the Met.
Its also going to take a devastating toll on our members.
As is generally the case for all unions, AGMA has financial assistance available for members in distress.
The relationship between the Met and its unions has occasionally turned hostile in the past.
Union members accepted significant pay cuts in 2015.
Gelb sounded alarm bells in 2014 when he said thatthe Met could go bankrupt within a couple of years.
Gelb firmly rejected that notion, and the idea that the Met is uniquely vulnerable.
This is affecting the entire world, he said.
Were constantly devising new ways to increase revenues.
The streams will continue as long as the crisis does, Gelb promised.
Thats part of keeping the bond between the Met and our audience.
