The Broadway League has reached a deal to pay and provide health insurance to all Broadway employees during the currently scheduled suspension of Broadway shows.
The agreement was reached between all Broadway unions and the League after days of negotiations. The Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds, which encompasses actors, stagehands, musicians, playwrights, directors, choreographers, ushers and more, negotiated jointly on the terms of the agreement, which will provide about three weeks of payment at modified increments as well as health and retirement contributions.
“The leaders of our industry have been working tirelessly with our partners at the unions to forge an agreement that will address many of the needs of our employees during this crisis. We are a community that cares about each other, and we are pleased that we can offer some relief,” Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League, said in the press release. “Once we are past this challenging moment, we look forward to welcoming everyone back to our theatres to experience the best of live entertainment together once again.”
Under the terms of the agreement, union members will receive a cap of 150% of minimum salary for the week surrounding the March 12 shutdown, followed by two weeks at Broadway minimum salary. The Broadway shutdown is currently scheduled to run through April 12.
The payment during those weeks include pension and 401(k) contributions. Health insurance payments will be made through April 12, with the possibility for further discussions should the shutdown extend.
In a joint release, the Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds said it was “grateful” to be able to pay members, but pointed to need to find further funding for members from Congress.
“Broadway needs to come back and working together is the best way to make that happen,” the Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds said in the press release. “Now Congress must do its part for arts and entertainment workers on Broadway and beyond to ensure they have access to unemployment insurance and health care during this industry-wide shutdown.”
