The AFM and Local 802 announce their strong support for the crew of the Atlantic Theater Company, who are on strike for a fair contract.

Striking crew workers are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), which has filed unfair labor charges against the employer for refusing to negotiate in good faith.

“Atlantic Theater Company’s production workers are part of a growing movement of off-Broadway workers unionizing for better wages, benefits, safety, and working conditions,” said IATSE in its statement.

AFM PRESIDENT TINO GAGLIARDI said: “The American Federation of Musicians stands firmly with our brothers and sisters of IATSE in their fight for a fair contract at the Atlantic Theater Company. Theatrical productions rely on the dedication and expertise of all workers, both onstage and backstage. It is unacceptable for any employer to refuse to negotiate in good faith, and we fully support IATSE’s efforts to secure the fair wages, benefits, and working conditions these essential workers deserve.”

LOCAL 802 PRESIDENT BOB SUTTMANN said: “Our NYC musicians are proud to stand in solidarity with the hardworking theatre crew of the Atlantic Theatre Company, who are standing up for the dignity, respect, health benefits and protections that all theatre workers deserve. The entertainment community is united, and an injury to one is an injury to all. Local 802 strongly supports IATSE and the workers of the Atlantic Theatre Company. We have your back, and our message to the employer is clear: negotiate in good faith for a fair contract now!”