September 2, 2024

Local 802 is pleased to announce an agreement with the producers of the upcoming Off Broadway show “That Parenting Musical.” The union is dropping its Do Not Work order so Local 802 musicians may accept work for the show, effective immediately.

“The hardworking musicians of ‘That Parenting Musical’ came together in solidarity and demanded respect from the producers,” said Local 802 in a statement. “At the same time, the larger community of professional musicians abided by our Do Not Work order and refused to undercut their colleagues. Musicians refused to record tracks that they knew would replace live musicians. Actors also stood in unity with musicians, and one of the lead actors resigned from the show in solidarity with the musicians. Unfortunately, he was unable to return to the production after negotiations concluded.

Ultimately, musicians harnessed the power of their union and won a contract with guaranteed wages, benefits, doubling premiums, right of first refusal, guaranteed chairs if the musical goes to Broadway, and more. We encourage all musicians to take note: if you’re working a job that’s not paying the wages and benefits you deserve, contact us!” Local 802’s confidential hotline (www.local802afm.org/hotline) can be used to report nonunion gigs or get help in unionizing a job.

BACKGROUND

“That Parenting Musical” was originally contracted to use live music. But musicians were soon fired and producers began searching for musicians to record backing tracks without a union contract to replace the live orchestra. A single rehearsal pianist was the only live musician left working on the show when musicians contacted their union for help.

Local 802 quickly put out a Do Not Work order for the show and began a publicity campaign that included highly-viewed social media posts and email blasts, advising musicians all over the country that the show had fired union musicians and had threatened to use recorded music as a replacement. Within a few days of the pressure campaign, producers agreed to negotiate a contract.

Under Local 802’s bylaws, a member can be reprimanded, fined or expelled for performing or recording for an unfair employer.

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ABOUT LOCAL 802

Local 802 represents thousands of highly skilled musicians who drive New York City’s thriving cultural and tourism economy. Its members  —  who perform on Broadway, at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and Radio City, in recording studios, as teaching artists, on late-night TV shows and in other televised bands, in hotels, clubs, festivals and venues across NYC  —  are protected by collective bargaining agreements ensuring proper classification, fair treatment and a living wage. FOR MORE BACKGROUND ON LOCAL 802, CLICK HERE