Class Struggle at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

John Bruce Yeh, Youming Chen, Clara Takarabe interviewed by Isaac Silver Jacobin
Classical musicians aren’t associated with picket lines, but the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is now on strike. We spoke to three strikers about their grueling work, recent attacks on orchestra members’ pensions and salaries, classical music and labor.

labor

Operatic Drama Swells in Labor Talks at the Met

Michael Cooper The New York Times
An offstage drama that has been playing out in New york City has highlighted the difficult economics of opera in the 21st century, which have forced several companies in the United States to close or scale back. In the city, a spate of recent emails between labor and management at the Metropolitan Opera and a review of the opera house’s financial statements have pulled back the curtain a bit on life at the Met, one of the most important opera houses in the world.

labor

Can Unions Save The Creative Class?

SCOTT TIMBERG Salon
Artists, writers,musicians and similar occupations are under attack. Low pay and lack of health benefits for most are major problems. Can unions help make their lives better? The author gives a brief history of organizing in these fields.
Subscribe to American Federation of Musicians