New York -- Actors’ Equity Association, the national labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, has issued a statement in response to the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in the House of Representatives.
“This bill can effect real change in policing at the federal level,” said Brandon Lorenz, national director of communications and public policy for Actors’ Equity Association. “We cannot let the momentum from the hard work of activists this past summer go to waste. This bill is only one step in protecting Black lives, but it is a significant one. We thank Congresswoman Karen Bass for her leadership and urge swift passage in the Senate.”
Last June, Equity’s council adopted a Black Lives Matter resolution, committing to re-examining Actors’ Equity Association from the ground up. In the months since, Equity has worked to develop staff, established working groups of members, developed guidance for employers and more.
The union also recently joined with other arts and entertainment unions to issue a federal policy platform addressing diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry.
ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits (health and pension included). Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. www.actorsequity.org #EquityWorks
March 4, 2021
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