Strike averted: Musicians’ union reaches tentative deal with Broadway league

NEW YORK — Broadway musicians reached a tentative agreement with the Broadway League averting a strike on Thursday morning.

Local 802 musicians had been without a contract since the end of August.

Both sides met with a mediator and were able to come to an agreement.

The tentative deal includes wage increases and contribution increases to the health fund. After announcing the tentative agreement, AFM Local 802 President Bob Suttmann issued the following statement:

“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)