The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has called a strike authorisation vote following unsuccessful negotiations with The Broadway League and Disney Theatrical, collectively representing Broadway and national tour producers. Union members have until early 21 July (New York time) to vote, which could result in a strike being called as early as Friday morning. Such a move would immediately shut down most Broadway and national tour productions.
The move would affect approximately 1,500 union members employed via IATSE's Pink Contract, which covers stagehands, hair and make-up artists, wardrobe personnel, and others employed directly by productions. The contract covers 28 of 30 currently-running Broadway productions and 17 national tours.
IATSE would be the third major entertainment union to go on strike in recent weeks, joining film and TV unions SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America (strikes which, largely, do not impact theatre).
Actors' Equity Association, which represents actors and stage managers on Broadway and Broadway League-represented national tours, approved a new Broadway contract in December 2022 that will remain in effect for three years.
IATSE also recently reached a new agreement for national tours not represented by The Broadway League, commonly referred to as non-union tours.