(NEW YORK CITY) – While Actors’ Equity, a Union that represents more than 51,000 Actors and Stage Managers, has reached a tentative contract agreement with the Broadway League - the Trade Association that represents theater owners, producers and operators, the Broadway League still must reach a contract agreement with American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 802.

A Strike by Local 802 is still possible and Actors’ Equity has announced it will put the full support of its Union behind the Musicians Union as it works to reach their agreement.

In the interim, Local 802’s Members have already and overwhelmingly voted to authorize a Strike - if needed, as the Broadway League continues to demand unacceptable wages and reduced jobs and benefits in the current contract talks, Union Officials said.

Local 802’s Strike Authorization Vote was 98% in favor of striking, if necessary.

Local 802 President Bob Suttmann said: “On the heels of the most successful season in history, the Broadway League wants the working Musicians and Artists who fueled that very success to accept wage cuts, threats to health care benefits and potential job losses. Faced with such an egregious erosion of their working conditions, Local (802) Broadway Musicians and other Artists are ready to leverage every ounce of their collective power, up to and including a Strike. Committing to anything less would mean sacrificing far too many hard-won gains.”

Musicians have been working without a contract on Broadway since August 31st (2025).

The Musicians’ demands were spelled out clearly in an October 1st open letter to the Broadway League that was signed by almost all of the 1,200 Musicians who play on Broadway.

They include: Fair wages that reflect Broadway’s success; Stable health coverage to allow Musicians and their families to enjoy the health benefits that all Workers deserve; Employment and income security so that hard-working Freelance Musicians have some assurance of job security (This includes not eliminating current jobs on Broadway).

For More On This Labor News Report, Go To: BROADWAY MUSICIANS OVERWHELMINGLY VOTE TO AUTHORIZE STRIKE IF NEEDED | Local 802 AFM And Agreement reached to avert Broadway actors' strike, union says | Reuters