The vote is the latest episode in a crisis that began when La Scala's governors fired general manager Carlo Fontana on February 24. La Scala's workers felt that Muti—who had a difficult relationship with Fontana and was vocal in his disagreement with how Fontana ran the company—had imposed his will on theater operations. Workers vowed to go on strike for all of the company's premieres until Fontana was rehired.
A number of performances, including the opera Il dissoluto assoluto and ballet Europa, have been canceled as a result.
Earlier this week, Muti announced that he would not conduct the orchestra during the current turmoil, citing "the atmosphere created by the insinuations, the insults, and the incomprehension."
Since then, rumors have emerged that Muti has already resigned, which La Scala denies.
Giulio Urbani, Italy's culture minister, has announced his support for Muti, but asked both sides to resolve the issue quickly and to "[do] their best to safeguard the prestige and history of this theater that knows no equal."