While The Met has closed its doors and furloughed everyone including the orchestra and chorus; the Broadway League and the Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds have come to terms on compensation for all union workers while they remain unemployed as a result of Covid-19 closures.
Speaking on the agreement, Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin said, “we are a community that cares about each other, and we are pleased that we can offer some relief. Once we are past this challenging moment, we look forward to welcoming everyone back to our theatres to experience the best of live entertainment together once again.”
All COBUG members will be paid for the performance week that was cut short when Governor Andrew Cuomo put a ban of large groups and closed the theatres plus two weeks.
In addition, union members will hold on to their current health insurance through April 12. Union representative and the Broadway League will meet next month to negotiate extending coverage.
Both organizations are urging Congress to extend similar benefits to other entertainment workers who have been affected by bans and closures due to the Covid-19 virus.
COBUG issued a statement saying, “now Congress must do its part for arts and entertainment workers on Broadway and beyond to ensure they have access to unemployment insurance and health care during this industry-wide shutdown.”
Currently Broadway is scheduled to reopen its productions on April 12; depending on whether or not government officials have lifted or extended current bans.