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Broadway Unions Threaten Double-Strike Over Wages and Benefits
9 Oct
Summary
- Broadway musicians union calls strike authorization vote
- Actors' Equity also negotiating new contract, may join strike
- Unions demand higher wages, stable healthcare, and job security
As of October 9th, 2025, the union representing Broadway musicians, the American Federation of Musicians Local 802, has called for a strike authorization vote. This move sets the stage for a possible double-strike with Actors' Equity, the union that represents actors and stage managers on Broadway.
The musicians' union has been in negotiations with the Broadway League, the organization that represents producers and theater owners, since August 4th. They claim the League continues to "demand unacceptable wages" and reduce benefits and jobs. Local 802 is seeking increased wages, "stable health care coverage," and more job security, including preventing the elimination of current Broadway jobs.
Healthcare has also been a sticking point for Actors' Equity, which has already voted to authorize a strike if necessary. The union has been distributing strike pledge cards to actors and speaking with theatergoers in Times Square. Mediation talks between Actors' Equity and the League are ongoing, while the musicians' union has bargaining sessions scheduled for next week.
"Broadway musicians are speaking loud and clear: we will do whatever it takes to win a fair contract," said Local 802 President Bob Suttmann. "Audiences deserve the magic of live Broadway, but the artists who make the magic happen must be paid fairly and must not have their jobs and benefits taken away from them."
