**Broadway Faces Potential Shutdown as Major Unions Authorize Strikes**
Broadway, the heart of the New York theatre industry, is facing a major crisis as two major unions, the Local 802 AFM for musicians and the Actors’ Equity Association, have recently authorized strikes. If negotiations this week prove unsuccessful, the New York theatre industry could be on the brink of its most severe shutdown in half a century.
According to Gothamist, the musicians’ union voted with an overwhelming 98% in favor of strike authorization in early October. Since their contract expired on August 31st, members have refused to perform without an agreement in place. The union is demanding salary increases, health insurance protection, and job security measures. They have criticized Broadway producers for seeking pay cuts and benefit reductions despite a record-breaking season that saw box office revenue of $1.89 billion and an audience of 14.7 million, calling it an “exploitation” of the artists’ labor.
Simultaneously, the Actors’ Equity Association, representing 51,000 professional actors and stage managers, has also initiated strike procedures due to stalled negotiations. The union is demanding an additional allocation of 0.21% of box office revenue to bolster healthcare funds. This would mark the largest-scale actors’ strike since 1968. Over 2,800 performers, including Tony Award winners Darren Criss, Alec Baldwin, and Brooke Shields, have signed a petition in support, urging the establishment of a “healthier, more sustainable Broadway”.
The Broadway League stated in a release that they are still hopeful to reach an agreement that balances the interests of all parties through “good-faith negotiations” and to avoid disruptions to performances. However, there is a significant disagreement between the parties on the contribution percentage to the healthcare fund. Actors’ Equity Association points out that Broadway producers’ payment into the medical fund is lower than that of most theaters nationwide, putting financial strain on the fund.
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has voiced his support for the unions on social media. He wrote, “The actors, musicians, and backstage crews on Broadway make New York the cultural capital of the world. Their healthcare is under threat, and it’s time to give them a fair deal.”
According to data from the Broadway League, the Broadway industry contributes approximately $14.7 billion in economic benefits to New York City each year and provides nearly 100,000 job opportunities. If actors and musicians go on strike simultaneously, it would force 41 theaters to cancel performances, causing a significant impact on the city’s culture and tourism industry.