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2003 Broadway Musicians Strike

On March 7, 2003, the American Federation of Musicians local 802, supported by the stagehands union (IATSE) and the actors' union (Actors Equity) struck against the League of American Theatres and Producers, shutting down 18 Broadway musicals for four days. The primary sticking point was over house minimums, a requirement to hire a minimum number of musicians when a musical plays in a specific house. The producers wanted to rid themselves of the pesky minimums completely, even threatening to use completely synthesized music to break the strike. Under pressure from the Mayor, the union agreed to reduce minimums and keep the "Special Situations" committee (largely a rubber-stamp) that considered waivers for specific productions.

CNN article

World Socialist Web Site

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