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Strike threat at Bayreuth opera festival
Jul 1, 2009, 13:30 GMT
Bayreuth, Germany - Bayreuth's famous opera festival was threatened with strike action on Wednesday just over three weeks before it opens its doors to the public.
The German services union ver.di said it would not hesitate to call out its members employed at the event in a dispute over pay and working conditions.
Local union leader Hans Kraft said full-time employees and seasonal workers were performing their jobs 'under miserable conditions' without a proper wage agreement.
Accusing management of dragging out pay negotiations, he said: 'We will not hesitate to stage a strike during the festival.'
The annual festival, at which operas by the legendary 19th century German composer Richard Wagner are presented, opens on July 25 with a performance of Tristan.
Dress rehearsals are set to begin on July 17.
The month-long festival in southern Germany attracts opera lovers from around the world, some of whom have to wait years for tickets.
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