Broadway musicians could strike “immediately” if they don’t reach a deal with theater owners in the next round of negotiations, the union announced Tuesday. Talks between the Broadway League and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802 are set to enter mediation on Wednesday, Oct. 22, according to a union statement. “If we do not have a new contract by Thursday morning, we are prepared to strike immediately. We remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached,” the statement added. The announcement raises the stakes for Wednesday’s negotiations, coming shortly after the union representing actors reached a preliminary deal with theater owners. The Broadway League responded, saying, “Good-faith negotiations happen at the bargaining table, not in the press. We value our musicians and are committed to working in good faith to reach a fair contract.” The strike threat follows the news that Actors’ Equity, Local 802’s sister union, reached a tentative agreement with the Broadway League on Saturday, which will now be presented to its members for ratification. Representatives of Actors Equity had characterized the talks as focused heavily on the level of employer support for health insurance costs. A series of posts on the Local 802’s Facebook page also highlighted health insurance, along with “fair pay.” Actors Equity’ reposted Local 802’s statements to its Facebook page on Tuesday.