Broadway faces possible shutdown as musicians, performers threaten strike

The Brief

NEW YORK - The lights on Broadway could soon go dark — at least temporarily — if contract negotiations between the Broadway League and unions representing musicians, actors and stage managers continue to falter.

Musicians represented by Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) have been performing without a contract since the end of August and say they are prepared to strike if talks don’t move forward.

In an open letter to the Broadway League, union members called for higher wages, better health care coverage, and stronger job protections.

Union votes, statements raise stakes

According to the AFM, which represents more than 70,000 professional musicians in orchestras, theaters, film, radio and television, about 98% of the 1,000 members who cast ballots vote