Broadway came to an abrupt halt today as actors, stagehands, and other theater workers launched a strike over stalled contract negotiations. The walkout, organized by the Broadway Performers Guild and Local 1 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), affects all 41 theaters, leaving tourists and ticket holders disappointed.
At the heart of the dispute are demands for increased wages, better benefits, and protections against the use of AI technology in productions. “Broadway thrives because of its people, not machines,” said union representative Lisa Harrington. “We’re fighting for our livelihoods.”
Producers have expressed concern over the financial impact of the strike, with estimates of millions lost daily. Talks between the unions and producers are ongoing, but no immediate resolution appears in sight.
