SF Ballet, union engaged in contract dispute days before ‘Nutcracker’ opening night [Video]

One of San Francisco‘s most popular and beloved holiday shows, the San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker, hangs in the balance, as the company and the union representing dancers and stage managers are locked in a contract dispute. 

Negotiations have been ongoing for the last five months, and the two parties are in bargaining sessions this week.

The contract with the American Guild of Musical Artists expires Dec. 6 on opening night of the Nutcracker season, which includes more than 30 shows in December.

The union said management’s refusal to reach a fair agreement could impact upcoming performances of their most profitable and anticipated productions.

Among their demands – higher pay. 

AGMA said more than 80% of artists qualify as low-income and are struggling to survive in San Francisco. 

It is fighting for broader health and safety protections. The union also wants to limit the use of unpaid student labor. During performance seasons, it added that stage managers regularly work more than …