Broadway faces shutdown threat after musicians vote to strike
Source: 4 New York
The union representing Broadway musicians claims the Broadway League wants to cut jobs, wages and health insurance benefits.
By NBC New York Staff • Published October 14, 2025 • Updated on October 14, 2025 at 12:47 pm
Broadway musicians have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike.
The union that represents musicians, American Federation of Musicians Local 802, is currently working on a new contract with the Broadway League after the previous contract expired on August 31.
The union membership of Local 802 voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike, with 98% supporting the action as of Sunday evening. That vote does not automatically trigger a strike, but readies the union body in the event negotiations break down.
The union president says the league wants to cut jobs, wages and health insurance benefits.
Read more: https://www.nbcnewyork.com/broadway/broadway-musicians-strike-vote/6404450/
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Producers have been reducing the number of musicians in the orchestra pit for more than a decade. Their choice is to convene a sufficient number of musicians and tape their performance, and then play that tape during Broadway musical performances. Audience members can't tell the difference. ("Is it Memorex or is it real?"
A conductor will wave his/her arms so it appears that an orchestra/pit band is being directed. Maybe adding a keyboard player and a few trumpets for the audience to see.
In the heyday of musicals (Guys and Dolls, The Music Man, Fiorello, etc.), there would be a full orchestra of maybe 30-40 players. Not anymore. The producers have made better profits by deferring the payment of performance to union members.