L.A. Opera Costume Shop Workers Seek Fair Contract
deadline.comSeeking 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 by IATSE Local 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.”“We began negotiations for our first contract in earnest, but unfortunately, the company has not yet responded to our economic proposal which was given to them over 10 weeks ago,” said IATSE representative Allison Smartt. “90% of the Costume Shop workers are paid less than the ‘low income’ rate defined by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development and these workers literally cannot afford to continue waiting. This is especially outrageous given the vast majority of Costume Shop workers are women, POC (people of color), and/or LGBTQIA+.”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.
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