The Metropolitan Opera announced Thursday night that it would extend negotiations with its labor unions for 72 hours, avoiding for the moment a work stoppage.

The delay was requested by the federal mediator who is leading talks between the Metropolitan Opera and AGMA -- which represents 2,500 singers, dancers, and stage manager, and Local 802 which represents orchestra musicians and music staff. Discussions are also continuing with Local One, which represents stagehands and costume makers.

The Metropolitan is negotiating new contracts with 16 unions; 15 contracts were due to expire at midnight on Thursday.

"We want to work together with union representatives, and do everything we can to achieve new contracts, which is why we've agreed to an extension," said Peter Gelb, Met General manager.

On Friday morning before resume negotiations, the Met Orchestra union, Local 802, held a rally joined by New York elected officials to include Congressman Jerrold Nadler, City Comptroller, Scott Stringer, and Public Advocate, Tish James.

"Peter Gelb should not be talking about a lockout at all. Last night he stated that this extension is a one-time gesture and that he will not offer any further extension if an agreement is not reached within 72 hours. We are negotiating rigorously, but given Gelb's proposed draconian cuts and the delays by the Met in providing information necessary to start talks, working out a settlement will likely require more time, said Tino Gagliardi, president of the Met Orchestra' union, Local 802, AFM in a statement to Latin Post.

Gagliardi added, "It is our hope that the mediated negotiations will finally yield transparency on the part of Met management, requiring it to prove why it needs upwards of $30 Million in cuts to address a deficit of $2.8 million. We also trust that the mediator will urge management to acknowledge its overspending and role in falling revenues. We also hope that the mediator requires the Met to give full and genuine consideration to the cost-saving suggestions offered by the musicians, totaling $37.8 Million, which includes concessions resulting in lower pay for workers, significantly reducing the Met's labor costs."

New contact agreements have been negotiated with Local 32BJ which represents ushers, ticket takers, cleaning staff, porters and security guards, Local 210 which represents the call center and Local 30 which represents building engineers.

In a statement sent to Latin Post, they "reached a tenative agreement that would provide 5.5 percent raises over five years, plus up to $2000 in payments to workers, provide high quality health care and maintain reitrement benefits. When ratified, the contract would cover 150 security guards, ticket takers, ushers, cleaners, matrons, safety persons, frieght elevators and office clerks at the Met Opera." Adding, "To help Met Opera with its financial troubles, the workers would join 32BJ's health plan,which would provide significant savings for the Met. The deal would also preserve benefits and includes no work rule changes."

In a previous story with Latin Post, Shirley Aldebol, Vice President for 32BJ SEIU, said the Met wanted a pay freeze, a health plan with $2,000 deductible for singles, $4,000 for a family, and cuts to pensions. The average salary for a security guard, usher or matron working full time is $35,000-$45,000.

"We are very pleased to have reached a deal for our members at Met Opera, which will allow them to continue to take care of themselves and their families," said Shirley Aldebol. "We remain in solidarity with our brothers and sister in other unions at Met Opera who have not yet reached a deal, and are equally deserving of a fair contract."

Members will vote on August 4 to ratify the contract.