Teachers Strike Met Opera

“About 30 teaching artists employed by Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts’ Metropolitan Opera Guild went on strike Tuesday, demanding pension and health benefits.” The teaching artists train classroom teachers in opera education, and also teach children about the genre. They are seeking to have their status at the Met upgraded from independent contractors to full employees, an issue they say that Met Opera officials have refused even to discuss. They also wish to be represented by the American Federation of Musicians union local, a right granted to many other Lincoln Center employees.