We are sharing this Do Not Work Order on behalf of our sister union, the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).
AGMA has officially issued a Do Not Work Order for Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT), following a disturbing pattern of escalating actions by DBDT leadership against their dancers after they unanimously voted to unionize with AGMA. The situation reached a critical point on Friday, Aug. 9, when the company took the extreme step of terminating all its dancers.
This Do Not Work Order means that AGMA members, as well as members of the Associated Actors and Artistes of America, more commonly known as the 4As, which includes SAG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity, are prohibited from performing any services for Dallas Black Dance Theatre until the order is lifted and the company agrees to enter into a collective bargaining agreement with AGMA. Violating this order may subject members to discipline, including fines or expulsion. This includes auditioning for DBDT.
But let’s be clear — this is not about penalties; it's about solidarity. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. When an employer retaliates against workers who stand together for their rights, they challenge the very principles of fairness, respect, and dignity that the artists of our union fight for every day. Now is the time for unity. By standing strong and honoring this Do Not Work Order, we send a powerful message: we will not tolerate injustice, and we will not allow our sibling union members to be targeted for demanding what is right.
Together, we protect one another, and together, we will prevail.