Actors’ Equity Reaches an Agreement With Broadway League, Though Strike Still a Possibility
Musicians union AFM Local 802 still has not reached an agreement.
In a reassuring development for theatre lovers everywhere, Actors’ Equity Association, the union representing Broadway actors and stage managers, has announced that they have reach an agreement with the Broadway League on a new work contract.
As the union wrote on Instagram: “We did it! After a marathon mediation session lasting until 6 a.m., Equity and The Broadway League have reached a tentative agreement on the Production Contract. Now we will bring the deal to our members for ratification.”
That does not mean a strike is fully off the table, though. Broadway musicians union, AFM Local 802, is still negotiating a new work contract with the Broadway League. Said Local 802 union president Robert Suttmann in a statement: “We are thankful that our brothers and sisters in labor at Actors’ Equity have reached an agreement. Local 802 is still in negotiation for a fair contract, and everything remains on the table, including a strike.”
Added Equity: “In the meantime, we are putting our full support behind AFM Local 802 as they work with the League to reach a deal that averts a strike.”
Details of the new work contract between Equity and the Broadway League are still forthcoming, but the demands that Equity had included humane scheduling, including providing appropriate paid time off; an increase in the Broadway producers’ contributions to Equity health insurance, and safer staffing at Broadway shows.
Local 802 previously told Playbill October 13 that if they will call a strike within the next two weeks if negotiations continue to be unproductive. A potential strike of musicians on Broadway would affect all of the shows on Broadway currently using musicians, with the exception of Ragtime—which will not be affected, because they fall under a different contract due to its producer, Lincoln Center Theater, being a not-for-profit.
Playbill will update this story as new details are received.