Broadway Musicians Reach Tentative Agreement: Improved Contract Secured Through United Efforts

October 31, 2025

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In a dramatic climax to months of escalating negotiations, AFM Local 802 (New York City) Broadway musicians successfully reached an early morning tentative agreement with The Broadway League, averting a strike scheduled for the following day. The new three-year contract includes meaningful increases to wages and health benefits, preserving crucial access to health care for working musicians.

The hard-won victory was the culmination of powerful organizing, overwhelming member solidarity, and public pressure following proposals from The Broadway League that had threatened cuts despite Broadway’s record-breaking 2023-2024 season, which grossed $1.89 billion.

Organizing and Escalation

The fight began in earnest as musicians worked without a contract since the prior one expired on August 31. Facing initial contract proposals from The League that included overall wage cuts, threats to health care, and potential job losses, the union mounted a forceful campaign with the full support of the members.

“On the heels of the most successful season in history, The Broadway League wanted the working musicians and artists who fueled that very success to accept wage cuts,” said Local 802 President Bob Suttmann. “Faced with such an egregious erosion of their working conditions, Local 802 Broadway musicians were ready to leverage every ounce of their collective power.”

The initial organizing effort included an open letter delivered to The Broadway League on October 1, signed by 1,200 Broadway musicians. Key demands outlined included:

• Fair wages that reflect Broadway’s success.
• Stable health coverage to allow musicians and their families to enjoy the health benefits that all workers deserve.
• Employment and income security so that hardworking freelance musicians have assurance of job security.
• Preservation of in-house contractors to protect workers.

As negotiations stalled, Local 802 escalated the pressure. The strike authorization vote, which closed on October 13, resulted in a near-unanimous mandate, with 98% of the bargaining unit voting in favor of a strike if necessary. This overwhelming result signaled the members’ readiness to walk out.

This show of force was bolstered by significant labor solidarity. When Actors’ Equity announced their own tentative agreement with the League on October 18, Actors’ Equity Executive Director Al Vincent, Jr. immediately pledged the actors’ continued support to the musicians’ still-ongoing negotiations.

“We stood in solidarity with Actors’ Equity and the Broadway actors and stage managers, and now, they continued to stand by us in our fight,” Suttman noted. “We know that by standing together, we are stronger.”

This united front, combined with an influx of public support and vocal urging from elected officials for a speedy and fair resolution, generated immense pressure on The Broadway League to return to the table in good faith.

Agreement Reached, Strike Averted

In the final hours leading up to a scheduled walkout, Local 802 Broadway musicians and The League found common ground. The new agreement successfully addresses the core demands, securing meaningful wage increases, contribution increases to the health fund, and maintaining the strong contract protections essential for musicians to build steady careers on Broadway. Local 802 will now bring the tentative agreement to its members for the final ratification vote.

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

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