Crew members at the Atlantic Theatre Company have been on strike since Dec. 12, 2024 when negotiations between IATSE and the employer broke down.

The AFM and Local 802 issued a joint statement of support. Local 802 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.”

Suttmann added, “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!”

The strike follows several months of negotiations that began after the Atlantic crew voted nearly unanimously to unionize with IATSE in February 2024. Despite months of efforts and good-faith proposals from the union, management has consistently stalled progress and made unilateral demands on working conditions.

IATSE said in a statement that the Atlantic Theatre Company’s production workers are part of a growing movement of Off Broadway workers unionizing for better wages, benefits, safety, and working conditions. In recent years, IATSE has successfully organized workers across Off Broadway theatres, demonstrating that fair contracts are essential to ensuring a thriving arts community.

The union has posted picket times. Join them on the line and support the Off Broadway workers who are fighting for a fair contract!