Get ready for potential drama off-stage this fall, as Broadway faces a looming strike. Two powerful unions representing its talented actors, dedicated stage managers, and skilled musicians are currently locked in intense negotiations with the commercial producers over new contracts.
A federal mediator is stepping in this Wednesday to help forge an agreement between Actors’ Equity Association and the Broadway League, the organization representing producers and theater owners. Despite 11 meetings since August, progress has been slow, and Equity members are now signing cards indicating their readiness to strike if negotiations fail.
Al Vincent Jr., Equity’s executive director, remarked, “We anticipated tough negotiations, and that’s precisely what we’ve encountered. So far, there’s been little movement on our key proposals.”
Meanwhile, the American Federation of Musicians Local 802 is poised to announce a strike authorization vote on Wednesday evening. Union leaders will be seeking member approval to initiate a strike if negotiations don’t yield a satisfactory outcome. Another bargaining session for the musicians is set for next Tuesday.
Robert Suttmann, president of the musicians’ union, expressed hope that producers would ‘recognize the value of our members.’ He added, however, that current discussions with the Broadway League are ‘very disappointing,’ and members are ‘not only mad, they are willing to do whatever it takes, up to and including going on strike.’”
Last season, Broadway’s box office hit a record high, largely thanks to a few blockbuster plays. Union members argue that this success should translate into better compensation and benefits. Producers, however, are pointing to the surprisingly high failure rate of post-pandemic musicals, emphasizing the need for cost control to ensure the industry’s stability.
Both unions voiced deep frustration over the sluggish negotiation progress, launching an online petition on Friday to rally support from their members.
While the League refrained from commenting directly on a potential strike, they issued a statement asserting, “We eagerly anticipate returning to the bargaining table in good faith this week and are committed to finalizing these contracts.”
The potential strike is even catching the eye of Congress. Representative Chellie Pingree, a Democrat from Maine, is reportedly collecting signatures for a letter, anticipated to be sent Wednesday evening, which will warn of the significant economic fallout for both workers and businesses should a strike occur, and implore all parties to reach a swift agreement.
Why Are We Here? Unpacking the Dispute
The contracts for both the musicians and Equity expired on August 31st and September 28th, respectively. This means members of both unions are currently working without active agreements.
Both unions are pushing for significant pay raises (details remain undisclosed) and increased contributions from producers for employee health care. Currently, a Broadway actor’s minimum weekly salary stands at $2,638.
On the other side, producers aim to rein in the soaring costs of staging Broadway productions. While salaries and benefits are a substantial part of these budgets, they aren’t the sole culprits. Many, including some producers, highlight theatre rent as another massive expense needing serious consideration. Unions, meanwhile, stress the increasing cost of living for their members in an already pricey city.
The Health Care Hurdle: What’s at Stake?
Equity is raising alarms about the projected deficit in its insurance plan for the upcoming year. They contend that producers contribute less per actor for health insurance on Broadway compared to other unionized stage actors nationwide. The League counters, arguing that Equity misrepresents their commitment to healthcare, as the health fund also receives a portion of box office earnings. Equity, however, asserts that these box office funds are essential for pensions, not health care.
For the musicians, the argument is simpler: rising healthcare costs demand more robust employer contributions to ensure their members can afford essential care.
The League reaffirmed its commitment to ‘strong health coverage,’ stating they’ve ‘always been willing to discuss health contributions as part of our negotiations.’
Beyond Money: Other Key Demands and Disagreements
Both sides agree that actor absenteeism due to illness has increased post-pandemic. Equity is pushing for more ‘swings’ (performers who can cover multiple ensemble roles) and additional backup for stage managers. Conversely, the League is focused on strategies to curb these rising absenteeism rates.
Another point of contention involves actor workload. While the standard Broadway schedule is eight shows over six days, the existing contract permits up to 16 consecutive performances without a day off. This grueling schedule often occurs during peak holiday seasons when shows add extra performances to meet high audience demand, and Equity seeks to limit this.
Additional points of debate include Equity’s call for improved physical therapy provisions for all members, including stage managers, which the League believes is already adequately provided. The League also proposes reducing compensation for certain orchestra contractors, arguing their administrative duties have evolved; the union vehemently opposes these reductions.
If a Strike Happens, Will All Shows Go Dark?
Not necessarily. The ongoing contract negotiations don’t encompass every Broadway production. This means a select number of shows would likely continue performances even during a strike. The exact impact would hinge on which union initiated the work stoppage, as their contracts vary. For example, fall productions like the musical ‘Ragtime’ and the plays ‘Punch’ and ‘Marjorie Prime’ are anticipated to remain open during any potential strike by either union, as they operate under nonprofit agreements.
Similarly, Off-Broadway performances and shows outside New York City are expected to proceed as usual. However, an Equity strike would likely impact the Minneapolis production of ‘Purple Rain,’ which is slated for Broadway, because its cast and crew are under the Broadway contract.
A Look Back: Broadway’s Strike History
Broadway has seen its share of labor disputes. Most recently, a stagehands strike in 2007 brought most shows to a halt for 19 days. Over the years, there have been several other strikes, with the longest occurring in 1919, lasting 30 days. The actors’ union last went on strike way back in 1968.