FANFAQ: Why Broadway’s Unions Keep Making Headlines (and What Fans Should Know About the Musicians’ Deadline)
Broadway’s unions have been busy this fall...first actors, now musicians. With headlines about potential strikes popping up again, here’s what’s actually going on and what it means for fans.
UPDATE: The show will go on. Since this article was first published, Broadway’s musicians’ union, Local 802 AFM, and the Broadway League have reached a tentative agreement, avoiding a work stoppage and keeping performances running as scheduled. The story below explains what was at stake, why these negotiations mattered, and how union talks like this fit into the world of Broadway.
You’re not imagining it. It really does feel like Broadway’s labor news is having déjà vu. Just days after actors reached a tentative agreement with the Broadway League, the city’s musicians’ union, Local 802 AFM, is now approaching its own contract deadline.
The group has now set October 23 as the cutoff to reach a new deal with the League, which represents producers and theatre owners. If talks stall, a strike is possible, but with mediation scheduled for October 22, both sides say they’re hopeful.
These headlines might sound tense, but contract negotiations like this are a normal part of Broadway’s rhythm. They’re how unions protect the artists, musicians and crews who make live theatre possible.
Here’s what’s being discussed, why it keeps making news and what it means for fans.
Why are there talks of a strike?
Broadway’s musicians’ union, Local 802 AFM, has been negotiating with the Broadway League since their contract expired August 31.
A union is a group of workers who organize together to negotiate their pay, benefits, and working conditions as a collective. On Broadway, unions like Local 802, Actors’ Equity and IATSE represent different departments of a production, whether that be musicians, performers or crew.
Every few years, Broadway’s major unions renegotiate what’s called a “standard production contract.” It’s essentially a rulebook for pay, rehearsal limits and general working conditions. When a contract expires, both sides return to the table to update the terms to reflect the current state of the industry.
A strong union contract means live theater can stay a sustainable career, not just a dream job.
This time around, musicians are are asking for fairer pay, stronger healthcare contributions and long-term job protections after record-breaking box office seasons. They’re also fighting against potential job cuts tied to digital or pre-recorded music use.
In the event of no agreement, 98% of the union’s voting members have voted to authorize a strike.
What’s impacted in the event of a strike?
If the strike happens, nearly all Broadway musicals would go dark, since playing recorded music instead of live orchestras violates union rules. Plays without musicians would be less affected unless Actors’ Equity joins in solidarity, which is a possibility.
What shows are involved?
Local 802 says the strike would impact over 20 musicals, including:
& Juliet
Aladdin
Beetlejuice
The Book of Mormon
Buena Vista Social Club
Chess
Chicago
Death Becomes Her
The Great Gatsby
Hadestown
Hamilton
Hell’s Kitchen
Just in Time
The Lion King
Mamma Mia!
Maybe Happy Ending
Operation Mincemeat
MJ The Musical
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
The Outsiders
The Queen of Versailles
SIX: The Musical
Wicked
Nonprofit productions like Ragtime at Lincoln Center would continue since they’re under separate contracts for non-profit productions. Off-Broadway productions, like Little Shop of Horrors, are also generally not directly impacted.
Has this happened before?
Yes. The last musicians’ strike was in 2003 and lasted five days. Broadway’s stagehands went on strike in 2007 for 19 days, and the last Actors’ Equity strike was in 1968, lasting three days.
Just last weekend, Actors’ Equity, the union for stage actors and stage managers, averted a potential strike after reaching a tentative deal with Broadway League for higher pay, improved PTO policies and better health contributions.
What’s next?
Both sides enter mediation October 22. If no deal is reached by the morning of October 23, the union says the strike will begin immediately.
Fans with tickets should watch for official updates from their show or theatre box office.
Why this matters for fans
Fans should pay attention to these negotiations because they protect the people working hard behind the scenes to make the art we love possible.
Even when headlines sound tense, these talks are a normal and necessary part of keeping the live performance industry alive. We should all hope the teams are able to agree on a contract that is beneficial to everyone involved.
FANFAQ is a recurring column from Fangirl Forward that demystifies the entertainment industry for fans. Got something you’ve always wondered about? Send us your question here.