On October 18, 2023, the Actors’ Equity Association and the Broadway League reached a new work contract after intense negotiations. The announcement of the new three-year Production Contract was made public on October 22, giving Equity’s over 51,000 members until October 30 to vote on its adoption.
Key Details of the New Contract
Co-authored by Jacqueline Jarrold, Anne McPherson, and Kristen Beth Williams, the agreement highlighted several improvements for its members. One of the most significant enhancements is a pay raise for Broadway actors.
- The current minimum salary of $2,638 per week will rise to $2,717.
- There will be a 3% annual increase over the three-year contract period.
- Swings, or actors who fill in for multiple roles, will also see a 6% additional pay increase.
Health Insurance Contributions
Producers will increase their contributions to health insurance for actors and stage managers. Currently set at $150 weekly per member, this amount will rise to $175, with an annual increment of $25 throughout the contract.
Moreover, the agreement provides for accessible physical therapy requests for actors, regardless of whether it is provided by producers.
Work Schedule Limitations
The contentious issue of overwork has been addressed in the contract. Members will now be limited to a maximum of 12 consecutive performance days, down from 16. Producers will still be permitted to schedule up to 13 days four times a year, but members will receive either a paid performance off or a personal day for their unpaid work.
This provision marks the first time Broadway actors and stage managers will receive paid personal days. Additionally, stage managers can now request extra staffing for technically complex shows.
Workplace Conditions and Sustainability Efforts
Equity members are also empowered to miss work without facing disciplinary action in cases of illness, injury, or emergencies.
A notable change is the implementation of QR codes in Playbills for announcing cast changes. This reduces paper waste while ensuring that changes remain accessible online for 30 days.
Member Voting and Next Steps
The Equity members who have worked since September 30, 2019, are eligible to vote on the new contract by 5 PM on October 30. Should the majority approve the agreement, it will take effect 120 days post-ratification, with pay increases applied retroactively since the previous contract expired on September 28.
Should members disapprove, negotiations with the League will resume. In their communication, the negotiating committee expressed confidence in the achieved deal, emphasizing the absence of major concessions and the focus on safe work conditions.
This new contract reflects a critical step forward for Broadway actors and stage managers, enhancing both pay and working conditions significantly.
