Dismissal of orchestra, choir averted by agreement

Rome, November 25 - An assembly of Rome Opera House staff on Tuesday voted to approve a cost-cutting agreement that unions reached last week with the theatre's board to avert the dismissal of the whole of its orchestra and choir - 180 employees.

The agreement features measures for three million euros a year in savings, and sources have said it also includes a commitment from seven unions to not strike over issues linked to the deal.

Furthermore, a part of the salary of all opera house staff will be frozen in 2015 and 2016, and the money will only be paid if the institution manages to balance its budget.

Last month, the opera house's board announced plans to sack the orchestra and the choir, saying this was the only way to save the loss-making institution.

It said at the time it would outsource musicians or periodically rehire the old staff on temporary contracts.

But unions protested against the move and earlier this month, Carlo Fuortes, the Opera House's general manager, said that alternatives could be found to the mass layoffs.

"This achievement has been reached by the whole Teatro dell'Opera," Fuortes said last week when the deal was reached. "It's a sign that all the workers and unions have shown great responsibility".

The deal will also see an increase in the theatre's output, with a total of 138 shows in the 2014-15 season, up 29% on last season.

Rome Mayor Ignazio Marino hailed the deal, saying that the city's hard line in dealing with the financial crisis had paid off.

Marino also called upon iconic Italian conductor Riccardo Muti to reconsider his decision to resign from the house in September after industrial action caused massive disruption to a series of shows.

"The Rome Opera House agreement is a success for the whole city," Marino said when the deal was reached.

"The Opera House can go back to working seriously and serenely," Marino added.

"I hope this can convince Maestro Muti to reconsider his decision in time".