Broadway Actors and Musicians Reach Tentative Agreements, Averting Major Strike

AFM Local 802 and Actors’ Equity Association reached tentative agreements with the Broadway League this week, averting major strikes that could have shut down Broadway.

Both unions had been in negotiations with the League since August, fighting for fair wages and secure access to healthcare. Their coordinated campaign, “For a Healthier Broadway,” united musicians, actors, and stage managers around the shared goal of preserving the health and dignity of the workers who bring live theatre to life.

Broadway musicians reached a tentative deal at 4:30 AM Thursday, just hours before a planned strike. AFM Local 802 President Bob Suttmann said “This three-year agreement provides meaningful wage and health benefit increases that will preserve crucial access to healthcare for our musicians while maintaining the strong contract protections that empower musicians to build a steady career on Broadway.”

Actors’ Equity Association Executive Director Al Vincent, Jr. announced Saturday that Equity had also reached a tentative three-year agreement following marathon mediation lasting until 6 AM. “This agreement saves the Equity-League Health Fund while also making strides in our other priorities including scheduling and physical therapy access,” he said.

The tentative contracts will now go to each union’s members for ratification. Read more from the New York Times and ABC 7!