NYC ballet company faces off with dancers' union

[January 12, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- The union representing dancers in the New York City Ballet says the company has no right to tour without all its members.

The union filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board on Monday. It says a U.S. tour planned for this summer violates the principle of good-faith bargaining.

The American Guild of Musical Artists says the ballet company is required to get union consent if it wants to tour with a smaller troupe.

Like many arts organizations, City Ballet faces financial troubles. The company is pushing for a wage freeze for the dancers, whose contract expires in July. The two sides are negotiating.

Ballet spokesman Rob Daniels says the company hopes the union won't stand in the way of work opportunities for its members.

[Associated Press]

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