Argyle Theatre Orchestra Musicians Unionize with Local 802 AFM, Seek Official Certification of Union

The professional musicians who perform in musical productions at Babylon Village's Argyle Theatre have started the unionization process with the Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Local 802 AFM. A majority of the orchestra musicians have expressed their intent to unionize and are now seeking official certification of their union through a National Labor Relations Board election process.

These highly-skilled instrumentalists are excited to be a part of bringing top-quality musical productions to the Long Island community. Musicians want a voice on the job to ensure that the Argyle Theatre continues to maintain the highest quality musicians capable of producing the musical theater magic that local audiences deserve and have come to expect from the Argyle.

"In the months that the Argyle Theatre has been open, its performers and staff have presented professional musical theater productions. Musicians who play in these shows are integral to these performances and excited to be a part of bringing such high-caliber theater to the community," said Adam Krauthamer, President of the Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Local 802 AFM. "Argyle Theatre musicians have chosen to join their union colleagues working in musical theater - from the Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters of New York City to local theaters on Long Island - to maintain a standard of professionalism and performance for all pit orchestra musicians in the Greater New York area."

The orchestra musicians are ready and willing to negotiate a timeline for collective bargaining with the Argyle Theatre, wanting to ensure there is room for this new community theater to grow and thrive together. Argyle Theatre musicians look forward to joining their union colleagues at the Argyle, from the actors and stage managers to the directors and choreographers. They will also join Local 802 members performing at other Long Island-area theaters - the John W. Engemen Theater, the Gateway Theater, and the Bay Street Theater. The orchestra musicians of the Argyle look forward to continuing to work with everyone at the Argyle Theatre to solidify the theater's position as a cultural landmark on Long Island.

The Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Local 802 American Federation of Musicians represents over 7,500 highly-skilled musicians who drive New York City's thriving cultural and tourism economy, which brings over 58 million visitors each year. Its members - who perform on Broadway, at Lincoln

Center, Carnegie Hall and Radio City, on late night TV shows and in other televised bands, as well as in hotels, clubs, festivals and venues across NYC - are protected by collective bargaining agreements ensuring proper classification, fair treatment and a living wage. www.local802afm.org

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