Overview
- AFM Local 802 said negotiators struck the agreement at 4:30 a.m. after mediated talks, preventing a walkout planned for Thursday.
- The union, representing roughly 1,200 musicians, had been working without a contract since Aug. 31 and previously approved a strike by 98%.
- Without a deal, 23 musicals including long-running hits like Hamilton, The Lion King and Wicked would have gone silent, while plays were not automatically affected.
- Actors’ Equity announced a separate tentative three-year Production Contract on Oct. 18 that it says shores up the Equity‑League Health Fund, with both unions now preparing member votes.
- Talks unfolded as unions cited record 2024–2025 grosses of about $1.9 billion, while the Broadway League pointed to rising production and operating costs in pledging good‑faith bargaining.