Contract Has Expired Between The Broadway League and the American Federation of Musicians
Today, amidst contract negotiations between members of The Broadway League, American Federation of Musicians, and American Federation of Musicians Local 802, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Andy Kim (D-NJ) called on all parties to participate in good faith negotiations and continued communication. In a letter to the presidents of each organization, the senators underscored that “Broadway’s workers are the heartbeat of American arts and entertainment, and the cultural legacy these individuals have cultivated inspires generations.”
The senators wrote, “The contract between the Broadway League and the American Federation of Musicians has expired, and union members are continuing to work under this expired contract. Should a strike occur, it would cause significant disruption in the Tri-State economy and Broadway’s post-pandemic recovery will see an unwanted setback.”
The senators doubled down on the industry’s importance to the economic development of the region and local industries as Broadway “supports nearly 100,000 jobs and draws in yearly audiences of over 14 million, generating a record $1.89 billion in box office revenue during its most recent season. Broadway is also an essential cornerstone in the economic wellbeing of surrounding businesses and sectors, including hospitality, retail, and transportation.”
The senators concluded by writing that it “is imperative that a fair negotiation takes place that prioritizes the health and well-being of Broadway and the people that bring it to life.”
To read the full text of the letter, click here.
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