La Scala Workers Authorize One-Day Strike Over Contract, Threatening Faust Opening Night

Key facts

• Workers at La Scala voted to authorize a one-day strike on 20 October, with only one vote against and four abstentions among more than 450 participants.
• The strike is called by the Cgil, Cisl, Uil and Fials unions and covers all shifts.
• The unions are seeking a 15% increase in gross annual pay as part of negotiations for a new employment contract covering 2027–2029.
• A meeting on 13 October with La Scala superintendent Fortunato Ortombina did not lead to the withdrawal of the strike.
• Another meeting is scheduled for 15 October, after which the unions will assess whether sufficient progress has been made.
• The opening night of Gounod's Faust, directed by Johannes Erath and conducted by Daniele Rustioni, is scheduled for 20 October and runs until 8 November.
• The cast includes Vittorio Grigolo in the title role, Marina Rebeka as Marguerite and Alex Esposito as Méphistophélès.
• Faust returns to La Scala for the first time since 2010; the production belongs to the 2025/26 season, and the 2026/27 season will open on 7 December with Verdi's Otello.