Broadway Harmony Restored: Musicians’ Union Reaches Groundbreaking Agreement with League

NEW YORK — Broadway musicians have successfully reached a preliminary agreement with the Broadway League early Thursday morning, thereby avoiding a potential strike.

Musicians from Local 802 had been operating without a formal contract since the end of August.

Negotiations were facilitated by a mediator, leading both parties to an understanding.

The provisional deal promises salary hikes and increased contributions to the health fund. Following this development, AFM Local 802 President Bob Suttmann released a statement highlighting the agreement.

“United in solidarity, Local 802 Broadway musicians are thrilled to announce that we reached a tentative agreement at 4:30 am with the Broadway League that will avert a strike scheduled to begin later today. 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.”

Now, Local 802 will bring the tentative agreement to the members for ratification.

If the musicians do walk, 23 different shows would be impacted (theater names are in parentheses):

• Death Becomes Her (Lunt Fontanne)

• Just in Time (Circle in the Square)

• Maybe Happy Ending (Belasco)

• Queen of Versailles (St. James)