Below are only a few of the dozens of messages received by Local 802 during the last few days.

LOCAL ONE, IATSE

Congratulations on your settlement. The League, by its recent actions and statements, has united the Broadway trade unions in a solidarity that even we, the Broadway unions, could not have imagined a week ago.

Edward McConway, President

ACTORS’ EQUITY

On behalf of Actors’ Equity Association, we would like to congratulate Broadway’s musicians and Local 802 for a significant outcome to the negotiations. Your commitment to preserving live music on Broadway and your efforts to ensure the highest standards of artistic excellence truly epitomize what our industry is all about. We admire the spirit and sense of unity you have shown throughout the negotiations, and we applaud you on a well-deserved victory.

Patrick Quinn, President,
Alan Eisenberg, Executive Director

NEW YORK STATE AFL-CIO

On behalf of your 2 1/2 million union brothers and sisters across this state, the New York State AFL-CIO is immensely proud of the dedication, commitment and resolve displayed by Local 802’s members and leadership throughout your recent contract struggle. This contract is a victory not only for the members of Local 802 today, but for the future of Broadway. Your victory in preserving live Broadway music allows this great city to continue as the cultural and entertainment center of the world. Your commitment to this cause, and that of your brothers and sister unions in the entertainment industry is a testament to what the labor movement can achieve when we work together. To Local 802’s leadership, I commend you on standing firm to preserve live Broadway music. To the members of Local 802, I extend my deepest thanks and appreciation for your unity and undying solidarity throughout this process. You have set a standard of commitment for all to follow. Congratulations on a hard fought and well-deserved victory!

Denis Hughes, President

AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS

I want to thank and congratulate the musicians for taking a stand that will preserve live music on Broadway. The AFM believes that Broadway theatre sets the standard for theaters throughout the United States and Canada. Your struggle and achievement will be an inspiration to theater musicians throughout North America for a decade to come.

Tom Lee, President

NEW YORK CITY CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL

You have won a major victory for working people and for live music. The tentative agreement will allow for a 10-year commitment to live music on Broadway. The CLC acknowledges with thanks the incredible support of the other unions who honored the picket lines. Again, congratulations!

Brian McLaughlin, President

AFM, LOCAL 72-147 DALLAS-FT WORTH

Local 802 is the greatest! We were watching and supporting you every step of the way. When you were at Gracie Mansion, we were there with you. Nobody else could have achieved what you guys won. Congratulations!

Ray Hair, President

TORONTO MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION, LOCAL 149 AFM

I cannot describe the immense appreciation we in Toronto have for the strength that Local 802 demonstrated over the past two weeks. You have paved the way. No longer will we have to justify the need for our existence in orchestra theatre pits. The debate is over. Because of your iron will, a standard has been established that will make it harder and harder for producers to discard theatre orchestras anywhere in North America. We are indebted to you and we will never forget your courage and your solidarity.

Bill Skolnik, Executive Director

UFCW, LOCAL 1500

On behalf of the officers and the 20,000 members of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500, we wish to take this opportunity to congratulate you on the settlement of the striking musicians. Your victory is not only a victory for Local 802 but for the entire labor movement.

Frank Meehan, President,
Brian Roth, Sec.Treas