Lyric Opera of Chicago and representatives of IATSE have announced today that they have reached concessionary agreements on a number of employment contracts.

While the specifics of the concessions were not made public, Craig Carlson, an IATSE International Vice-President and Business Manager of Local 2 representing the stagehands stated, "We are experiencing the most difficult economic conditions since the Great Depression and Lyric has been a responsible employer for more than fifty years. We were happy to work with Lyric in an effort to get us all through this economic storm."

Ira Alper, Business Manager of Local 750, International Representative for IATSE, and head of the box-office employees, said, "Ticket sales for classical events of all kinds have declined substantially both in Chicago and across the country. I have been involved in a number of national negotiations with other opera companies. Obviously these are very tough times for that industry. It just makes sense for us to work with management so we can all get through this together."

Shirley Berling, Business Manager of Local 769; Mr. Carlson, Mr. Alper and Mark Hogan, representing wig and makeup artists, also offered to donate their services to Lyric for a benefit event, specifics of which are yet to be determined.

William Mason, General Director of Lyric Opera, stated, "We welcome the IATSE family’s spirit of cooperation. Lyric has always worked well with this group in the past, and looks forward to continuing that relationship."