(BABYLON, LONG ISLAND) – American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 802-represented Musicians who work for the Argyle Theatre have won a first-time Union contract, achieving a wage increase of 17%, job security, pension contributions, a prohibition on virtual orchestra technology - and more.

This is considered a significant milestone for Local 802’s organizing efforts on Long Island, AFM Local 802 Officials said.

In addition to Broadway and Off Broadway, Local 802 has several Collective Bargaining Agreements with Regional Theatres on Long Island, including - now, the Argyle.

The AFM has covered the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, as well as the John W. Engeman Theatre in Northport for several years.

Performance demands in these theatres are at the highest level, the Union said, and playing in these Regional Theatres requires coverage of multiple parts and multiple doubles, which makes the job a taxing one for even the most accomplished Musicians.

Before these theatres entered into agreements with Local 802, Musicians lacked job security - as well as standardized wages, benefits and working conditions.

The agreements now supply economic and workplace protections that are not enjoyed at other Regional Theatres, the AFM said.

The Union protections achieved by the AFM include codified wage rates and premiums, pension contributions and job security.

Many of the Musicians who perform in these Long Island Theatres also perform under other Local 802 Union agreements, so they understand the benefits that working under a Union agreement offers, the AFM said.

For this reason, when the Argyle Theatre opened in Babylon in 2014, Local 802 Musicians sought a Collective Bargaining Agreement there as well.

The Argyle (formerly known as the Babylon Theatre) has 1,500 seats and a rich history that dates back to 1921.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: UNION VICTORY! Musicians at Argyle Theatre win first-time union contract | Local 802 AFM