Zeffirelli opera in peril at La Scala

Strikers may scuttle 'La Boheme'

By MICHAEL DAY

MILAN — Workers at Milan’s La Scala are threatening strike action next week that would cancel the first three performances of "La Boheme" at the world famous opera house.

Wrangling over contract renewals would hit Monday’s performance of the Puccini opera, which is being produced by Franco Zeffirelli — as well as shows on July 9 and 11.

Union spokesman Giancarlo Albori said Wednesday that talks with management were continuing, and that a definite decision on strike action would probably come this Friday.

The strike, if it goes ahead, would be the third to hit La Scala in the last four years.

Last November, a performance of Verdi's Requiem was cancelled after 800 workers, including 135 musicians and 107 in the chorus, walked out over a row over pay and conditions.

In 2005, disputes between staff and the then musical director, Riccardo Muti, lead to crippling strikes — and a subsequent investigation by the Italian Senate.