Just the Way They Are: AGMA and Actors’ Equity Battle Over Movin’ Out Jurisdiction

Following a decision by the Associated Actors and Artistes of America (4A’s), Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) has declined to relinquish jurisdiction of the Broadway production of Movin’ Out to the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).

The 4A’s, the parent body of the AFL-CIO that assists in resolving disputes between its labor organizations, upheld AGMA’s claim that the Billy Joel/Twyla Tharp show, which is almost entirely danced, should be under the jurisdiction of the dancers’ union. As stated on the AGMA website, “…AGMA commenced a proceeding before the 4A’s contending that it, not Equity, should have jurisdiction over the dance production Movin’ Out. When Equity refused to voluntarily honor AGMA’s claim, AGMA pressed its case with the 4A’s, successfully arguing that the content of a production (rather than the fact that it was produced by Broadway producers in a Broadway theater) should determine jurisdiction. The 4A’s have now agreed.”

According to AEA executive director Alan Eisenberg, “AGMA has requested that we transfer our jurisdiction to them, and we have declined. We wish to explore all possible remedies to this erroneous decision. Our agreement is the best in the business; to convert will harm our members. We will explore all options so as to maintain the Equity contract.”

Last year, AGMA negotiated a collective bargaining agreement with Baz Luhrmann’s production of La Bohème, arguing that opera singers — even on Broadway — should be under their jurisdiction as well.