New York's Metropolitan Opera announced on Monday it had reached a tentative agreement with two of its largest unions -- the orchestra (Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians), and the chorus and other members (American Guide of Musical Artists).

A federal mediator, Allison Beck, was requested to help in negotiations after their contract expired July 31 and both sides couldn't agree on terms after months of negotiations. Beck ordered a report by independent analysts to review the Met Opera's finances. The Met threatened lockouts four times before the deal was reached.

Beck thanked Met General Manager Peter Gelb and the leaders of the two unions that settled Monday.

"I am pleased to announce that after many hours of intense negotiations, representatives of the Metropolitan Opera, Local 802 and AGMA have reached tentative agreements. These agreements are subject to ratification. Federal mediators joined the negotiations in response to a joint request for assistance from the parties," Beck said in a statement.

"These were difficult and highly complex negotiations, and I wish to commend the parties for their resolve in addressing multiple and complex issues. We are grateful for their commitment to the collective bargaining process and grateful most of all that the Metropolitan Opera, one of the world's premier cultural institutions, will continue providing outstanding operas for all to enjoy."

The dispute centered on Gelb's demand of cuts of over $30 million to work contracts, claiming the Met has financial difficulties. The cuts of 17 percent would have represented pay and pension cuts, health benefit contributions and changes to work rules. Unions argued the cuts were draconian and punitive and didn't address what they claim was Gelb's lavish spending and miscalculations on new productions -- a deficit of $2.8 million of its annual operating budget of $326 million. A study by Local 802 AFM claimed Gelb had increased the Met's operating budget by 50 percent.

"After many hours of deliberation, today we have reached a tentative agreement which is subject to the approval of Local 802's executive board and ratification by the MET Orchestra Musicians," said Tino Gagliardi, president of the Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Local 802, AFM.

Terms of the agreement have not been released.

The Met's negotiations with its other largest union, Local 1 International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, whose members are stage hands, carpenters and electricians, plus IA's six other unions who represent set builders and painters, costumes and wardrobe, hair styling and makeup, and box office and tickets sales were put on hold temporarily since July 31. Those negotiations are expected to resume Tuesday.

"It is our intent to bargain in good faith and get deals done that address the many variables between our work groups and that are fair for all our members," said I.A.T.S. E. International President Matthew Loeb. "The fact that the other major unions at the Metropolitan Opera were able to reach agreements is a hopeful sign, but we still have considerable ground to cover."

A spokesman for the Met said the contract deadline has been extended through midnight on Tuesday to reach agreement with those unions.