Union contract

RE “Between Poetry and Technology,” by Mark Swed, Oct. 25: There is no “union regulation” that prohibits San Francisco Opera from broadcasting “Doctor Atomic.” There is a collective bargaining agreement between the San Francisco musicians and the Opera, which says that the musicians’ concerts can be broadcast subject to certain conditions, including payment for their services.

Swed’s concerns about the “epic struggle to remain human” ring hollow when he belittles the struggle of musicians to guarantee that they, like composers and conductors, be treated like artists and that their work not be exploited without their consent. Swed should not be criticizing the musicians (and their union) for refusing to work for free.

STEVEN KAPLAN

Beverly Hills