Paris Opera Dancers Go on Strike Again for Wage Claims and Working Conditions

Paris Opera Dancers Go on Strike for Wage Claims and Working Conditions

The dancers of the Paris Opera have once again gone on strike, citing wage claims and concerns about working conditions. This marks the Ballet’s first strike since José Martinez, a former star, took over as the new dance director in December.

The strike has resulted in the cancellation of several ballet performances, including the premiere of “L’Histoire de Manon” at the Palais Garnier. The strike is not indefinite, but notices have been given for further strikes on July 15 and 16.

The dancers are demanding greater recognition for the time they spend preparing before shows and rehearsals, such as makeup and warm-up time. The management of the Opera acknowledges that discussions have been ongoing since April, with agreements reached on certain points but stumbling blocks encountered on others. They hope that there will be time to continue the social dialogue by July 15.

The Opera has apologized to spectators, who will be reimbursed for their tickets. However, finding new seats may prove difficult as ballet performances at the Opera are often sold out. The institution understands the dissatisfaction this may cause, especially for those who have traveled from afar.

The management explains that there is no legal obligation for the Opera to declare a strike 48 or even 24 hours in advance. Negotiations sometimes continue until the last hours before a performance, leaving uncertainty about whether it can proceed or not. They also highlight the fragile financial situation of the Opera, despite substantial state aid received post-Covid. The Opera is still forecasting a loss of around five million euros for 2023, emphasizing the need to balance employee satisfaction with the economic challenges they face.

The strike by the Paris Opera dancers highlights ongoing concerns about wages and working conditions in the performing arts industry. As negotiations continue, both the dancers and the management hope to find a resolution that addresses these issues while ensuring the sustainability of the Opera.

How have the dancers’ demands for greater acknowledgement of their preparation time impacted the negotiations with the Opera’s management?

Paris Opera Dancers Stage Strike Over Pay and Working Conditions

Paris Opera’s dancers have opted to go on strike once again, stating concerns over wage claims and working conditions. This is the first strike to take place since José Martinez, a former star, assumed the role of dance director in December.

As a result of the strike, a number of ballet performances, including the highly-anticipated premiere of “L’Histoire de Manon” at the Palais Garnier, have been cancelled. Although the strike is not indefinite, further strikes have been scheduled for July 15 and 16.

The dancers are demanding greater acknowledgement for the time they spend preparing for shows and rehearsals, which includes makeup and warm-up time. The Opera’s management has confirmed that discussions have been ongoing since April, resulting in agreements being reached on certain matters, while stumbling blocks have been encountered on others. They remain hopeful that there will be sufficient time for continued dialogue before the next scheduled strike.

The Opera has expressed its apologies to spectators, who will receive ticket refunds. However, finding alternative seats may prove challenging, given that ballet performances at the Opera are often sold out. The institution acknowledges the potential dissatisfaction this may cause, particularly for those who have traveled from afar.

The management clarifies that the Opera is not legally obligated to declare a strike 48 or even 24 hours in advance. Negotiations can sometimes persist until the final hours before a performance, thereby leaving uncertainty regarding its occurrence. Additionally, they highlight the fragile financial situation of the Opera, despite having received substantial state assistance post-Covid. The Opera is still projecting a loss of approximately five million euros for 2023, underscoring the need to balance employee satisfaction with the economic challenges they are facing.

The strike by Paris Opera’s dancers brings attention to ongoing concerns about wages and working conditions within the performing arts industry. As negotiations continue, both the dancers and the management aspire to find a resolution that addresses these issues while ensuring the long-term viability of the Opera.