Workers at Milan's famed La Scala opera house say they will stage a strike next week that will cancel the first three performances of Franco Zeffirelli's production of "La Boheme."

Union representative Giancarlo Albori said Friday that the strike will involve stage workers, including scenery and costume personnel, chorus and orchestra members as well as administration workers.

The workers are in contract renewal talks.

La Scala management denounced the action, saying the workers "take on a great responsibility, both toward the public and for the economic damage they do to the theater."

The strike targets the July 7 opening performance of Puccini's "La Boheme" as well as shows on July 9 and 11.