Broadway unions reach tentative three-year deals, averting walkouts

Broadway unions and producers reached tentative three year labor agreements this week that averted planned walkouts that would have shut down dozens of productions in New York, union leaders said. Actors Equity Association and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802 each announced tentative pacts with the Broadway League after overnight mediation sessions; both deals must still be ratified by members.

Actors Equity said it reached a tentative Production Contract after a mediation session that began Friday and continued until about 6 a.m. Saturday. The union said the agreement preserves the Equity League Health Fund and advances priorities including scheduling and access to physical therapy. "This three year agreement saves the Equity League Health Fund while also making strides in our other priorities, including scheduling and physical therapy access," Actors Equity Executive Director Al Vincent Jr. said in a statement.

Musicians represented by AFM Local 802 announced a separate tentative agreement reached in the early hours of Thursday, saying the deal includes wage increases and higher contributions to the union's health fund. Local 802 President Bob Suttmann said the...