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Actors

Broadway Actors and Stage Managers Reach Tentative Agreement with Producers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Actors' Equity Association and the Broadway League reached a tentative agreement on a new production contract, averting a potential strike by actors and stage managers. However, the deal still needs to be ratified by union members, and tensions remain as the American Federation of Musicians Local 802, which represents musicians, has yet to reach a deal with the League. The tentative agreement addresses the union's priorities, including higher wages and improved health care benefits, as well as scheduling and physical therapy access. The contract will be voted on by a subset of the union's membership, with only those who have worked on Broadway since 2019 eligible to participate.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Actors' Equity Association and the Broadway League reached a tentative agreement on a new production contract after a marathon mediation session lasting until 6 a.m.
  • The three-year agreement saves the Equity-League Health Fund and makes strides in areas such as scheduling and physical therapy access.
  • The union will share details of the agreement with its national council, which will vote on whether to recommend ratification.
  • Only around 4,000 union members, or about 7.8% of Equity's 51,000 members, are eligible to vote on the contract.
  • The American Federation of Musicians Local 802, representing musicians, continues to warn that its members could walk out if they do not reach a deal with the League.
  • Musicians are seeking higher wages, improved health care benefits, and better compensation for instrumentalists who take on administrative tasks.
  • The musicians' union is seeking to meet again with the League over the coming week.

Statistics:

  • The Actors' Equity Association has over 51,000 members.
  • Only around 4,000 union members are eligible to vote on the contract.
  • The contract expiration dates for Equity and the musicians are September 28 and August 31, respectively.
  • The proposed contract is three years in length.
  • The Equity-League Health Fund is saved by the new agreement.

Sources:

  • Al Vincent Jr., Executive Director, Actors' Equity Association
  • Jason Laks, President, Broadway League
  • Robert Suttmann, President, American Federation of Musicians Local 802

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