Broadway musicians vote to authorize strike, following Actors’ Equity
Share this @internewscast.com

The Great White Way will surely go dark if a deal isn’t struck between Broadway producers and another one of its most important labor unions.

American Federation of Musicians Local 802, the union representing 1,200 musicians on Broadway, announced on Monday that its members have voted to authorize a strike amid ongoing negotiations with The Broadway League over a new standard contract.

This group is the latest among live theater workers in New York City to consider a strike as they strive for better wages, healthcare coverage, and job security.

In July, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani won the endorsement of the AFM Local 802 union.

Barry Williams/ New York Daily News

In July, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani won the endorsement of the AFM Local 802 musicians’ union. (Barry Williams/ New York Daily News)

The union has been operating without a contract since August 31. On October 1, it outlined its demands in an open letter to the Broadway League, which is the trade group representing 700 producers, theater owners, and Broadway production managers.

About 98 percent of the voters supported authorizing a strike. However, this does not mean a strike will happen immediately, as more bargaining sessions are planned soon.

Broadway musicians previously went on strike for five days in 2003.

NEW YORK- MARCH 7: The band of the Broadway musical "Chicago" plays in the streets in support of The Striking Broadway Musicians Picketing Theaters on March 7, 2003 in New York City, New York. Negotiations between the American Federation of Musicians Local 802 and the League of American Theatres and Producers failed and most musicals were canceled indefinitely as actors and stagehands refused to cross the musicians picket lines. (Photo By Bruce Glikas/Getty Images)

Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

In March 2003, musicians from AFM Local 802 went on strike, shutting down most Broadway productions. (Photo By Bruce Glikas/Getty Images)

The last strike action on Broadway was initiated by stagehands in the fall of 2007, which kept most shows dark for 19 days.

In the past year, Broadway has generated $1.89 billion in ticket sales with 14.7 million attendees. The Broadway League states that the 2024-2025 season is the highest-grossing one ever.

“After such a successful season, the Broadway League wants the working musicians and artists, who were key to this achievement, to face wage cuts, reduced healthcare benefits, and potential job losses,” AFM Local 802 president Bob Suttmann said. “Facing such a significant decline in working conditions, Local 802 Broadway musicians and other artists are prepared to use all their collective power, including the possibility of a strike.”

“Committing to anything less would mean sacrificing far too many hard-won gains,” he added.

The musicians’ labor move follows Actors’ Equity Association, who authorized strike action earlier this month. That group represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers.

If the actors go on strike, it would affect 26 out of 31 shows on Broadway.

Because they are operating under different contracts, a handful of shows  —  “Beetlejuice,” “Mamma Mia!,” “Punch” the Scott Rudin-produced “Little Bear Ridge Road” and Lincoln Center’s new revival of “Ragtime” — will able to go forward amid labor actions.

“Good-faith negotiations happen at the bargaining table, not in the press,” a rep for the Broadway League told The Daily News Monday. “We value our musicians and we are committed to working in good faith to get a fair contract done.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Trump Takes Bold Action: Revokes All Biden Autopen Executive Orders – What This Means for America

In a dramatic twist, Donald Trump has nullified all executive orders signed…

Two Russian Tankers Engulfed in Flames Near Turkey’s Bosphorus Strait

Two tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet experienced explosions before igniting into flames…

Outrage Erupts as Migrant Released by Agencies Sparks Devastating Crash: Sheriff Speaks Out

An Ohio sheriff took to social media to express his frustration with…

Secret Recording Reveals Trump’s Shocking Assassination Allegation

In a surprising revelation, a former boyfriend of Olivia Nuzzi, previously a…

Airbus Issues Urgent Safety Alert for 6,000 Passenger Aircraft

Airbus, one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, has issued a significant…

Black Friday Trends Signal Potential Challenges for the US Economy

Long gone are the days when Black Friday meant wrestling over 65-inch…

Trump Sparks Controversy with Offensive Remarks Against Tim Walz and Ilhan Omar

In a fiery late-night post on Thanksgiving, Donald Trump unleashed a barrage…

Trump Unveils Strategic $300 Billion Proposal Affecting US and Ukraine War Dynamics

In a bid to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Donald Trump…

Bomb Threat Prompts Ground Stop at Philadelphia Airport, Disrupting Operations

A bomb threat led to the suspension of all outgoing flights from…

Shocking Welcome: Tourist’s £3,000 Gold Chain Stolen Just Hours After Landing in London

A popular TikTok influencer from the United States recently shared a harrowing…

80s Cult Classic Star Makes Rare Public Appearance: Can You Guess the Icon?

An iconic actor, best known for his role in a beloved 1980s…

Shocking MedSpa Incident: Woman Allegedly Attacked for Skipping the Tip

Imagine tipping your dentist after every routine visit, or handing extra cash…