New York’s live music scene has breathed a collective sigh of relief at the end of October after the American Federation of Musicians Local 802 (AFM Local 802) reached a tentative agreement with the Broadway League to avert a strike that threatened to shutter nearly two dozen Broadway productions.
The deal comes after the union’s previous contract expired and several weeks of tense negotiations, with musicians standing firm on demands for fair wages, stable health care and job protections.
“This three‑year agreement provides meaningful wage and health benefit increases that will preserve crucial access to healthcare for our musicians while maintaining the strong contract protections that empower musicians to build a steady career on Broadway,” said Union President Bob Suttmann.
Earlier, when the strike authorization vote was announced, Suttmann stated: “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 healthcare benefits, and potential job losses… The musicians are ready to leverage every ounce of their collective power.”
The key wins in the deal include appreciable wage increases, improved health‑fund contributions, and protections guarding job security for instrumentalists who bring Broadway’s shows alive night after night.
