Broadway musicians are poised to strike imminently if negotiations with the Broadway League do not yield results. The musicians’ union, Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), has set a deadline for October 23 to reach an agreement.
Upcoming Strike Threatened by Local 802
If an agreement is not reached before then, the union plans to initiate an immediate strike. This decision follows the expiration of their most recent contract on August 31, 2025.
Local 802 has outlined demands including:
- Increased wages
- Enhanced healthcare contributions
- Employment and income security
Negotiation Timeline
Both parties are scheduled for mediation on October 22, with hopes of resolving the contract dispute. Bob Suttmann, president of Local 802, expressed optimism about reaching an agreement.
The urgency of this situation is underscored by a recent vote in which approximately 98% of union members approved the potential strike. A strike could significantly affect Broadway productions, with many musicals likely to go dark.
Potential Impact on Broadway Shows
Productions that would be affected include:
- & Juliet
- Aladdin
- Beetlejuice
- The Book of Mormon
- Buena Vista Social Club
- Chess
- Chicago
- Death Becomes Her
- The Great Gatsby
- Hadestown
- Hamilton
- Hell’s Kitchen
- Just in Time
- The Lion King
- Mamma Mia!
- Maybe Happy Ending
- Operation Mincemeat
- MJ The Musical
- Moulin Rouge! The Musical
- The Outsiders
- The Queen of Versailles
- SIX: The Musical
- Wicked
Interestingly, the musical Ragtime, being produced through Lincoln Center Theater, would remain unaffected due to its separate contractual status.
Solidarity from Actors’ Equity
The Actors’ Equity Association, representing actors and stage managers, is also seeking better terms for their Broadway Production Contract. If they decide to strike in solidarity with Local 802, the consequences could impact even more productions.
Historically, labor actions in the theater community have proved significant. Broadway musicians last went on strike for five days in 2003, while stagehands struck for 19 days in 2007. The last action by Actors’ Equity occurred in 1968, concluding after three days.
Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has voiced support for Local 802 and Actors’ Equity, stating that the well-being of Broadway’s workforce must be a priority. He asserts that their contributions are vital to maintaining New York’s cultural status.
The coming days will be pivotal in determining if the Broadway musicians’ strike will proceed, emphasizing the need for negotiations that honor their contributions and safeguard their rights.
