Local 802 and Actors Equity has been working with the New York Central Labor Council, the New York State AFL-CIO and the NY State Department of Labor to a solution that will allow Broadway workers affected by the Local One/League strike to collect unemployment without waiting the seven weeks that have previously been required in cases of labor disputes. We have now received word that a potential ruling may be made this week, which will allow you to begin collecting unemployment. In order for your claim to begin this week, you must apply online or by phone before Sunday. The instructions to reach the Unemployment Claims Division and a link are below. If you have already applied you do not need to re-apply.

Please note: There is no guarantee that you will be granted benefits at this time; we are sending this information so that you will have an opportunity to apply for this week in the event that the ruling is favorable. Also, we have been assured by an official at the State Department of Labor that, as long as your application is truthful, New York State will not attempt to recoup benefits, even if later legal appeals by the producers result in an interruption of benefits until you reach the seven-week threshold.

To apply online start here: