Seeking a fair contract, costume shop workers at the Los Angeles Opera will be handing out leaflets to patrons at the opera’s opening-night gala on September 30
They voted overwhelmingly in favor of being represented byLocal 768 last year, but the union says they’ve “grown frustrated as management continues to stall negotiations. It’s the hope of costume shop workers that patrons who appreciate the artisanship they see on stage will encourage the Opera to come back to the table with a fair proposal.”
Said Lark Arrowood, a seamster/second hand: “The LA Opera has threatened to outsource our work and exclude us from many provisions which are already in union agreements with other LA Opera departments. Higher wages and benefits will entice more amazing craftspeople to join the shop, so that the LAO can maintain the prestige and legacy it deserves. I love my work, but I also see that—in its current state—this isn’t a viable long-term career.