ABSTRACT

The previous chapter explained how the Broadway musicians, while in a somewhat unique situation, have issues and problems similar to those of other workers. Addressing their concerns, like most other trade union offi - cials, Local 802 is reactive rather than proactive. That is, unions tend to address problems as they occur and often resolve them temporarily with little or no prolonged vision or strategic plan. Typically, unions prioritize wage and benefi ts improvements, and although this is paramount to improving workers’ lives, such an agenda falls short of being revolutionary.1 Unions do not pursue revolutionary plans for various reasons such as budget constraints, lack of member participation, fear of the unknown, and opposition to radicalism (Bacon). However, a central component to a long-range strategic plan is a comprehensive investigation into workers’ specifi c situation and a clear understanding of their class position(s) vis-àvis their employers.