A Message from New York Local President Ezra Knight

Non-compete and reproductive healthcare bills passed the NY State Legislature.

Dear Member,

More great news from the New York State Assembly which passed two important pieces of legislation yesterday. These bills previously passed the Senate, which means they will advance to the Governor later this year for her signature or veto.

The first: S.3100-A (Ryan)/A.1278-B (Joyner) is non-compete legislation that was strongly supported by SAG-AFTRA. It prohibits non-compete agreements and certain restrictive covenants. It is a strong, pro-competitive, public policy for New York industry and workers. Non-compete clauses have the effect of limiting or restraining employee mobility and individual worker entrepreneurship. They artificially restrict an individual’s ability to market his/her/their talents, services and skills in a free market and result in wage and salary stagnation for workers of all salary ranges. Eliminating them in New York is good for workers and will boost the state’s economy.

SAG-AFTRA thanks Senator Sean Ryan and Assemblymember Latoya Joyner for their introduction of the bill and strongly encourages Governor Kathy Hochul to sign S.3100-A/A.1278-B when it lands on her desk. Contact Gov. Hochul today and ask her to sign S.3100-A/A.1278-B into law. I would also like to thank Executive Director, New York Local, Labor Policy, and International Affairs Rebecca Damon, General Counsel Jeffrey Bennett, and Chief Broadcast Officer Mary Cavallaro and all of the members and staff for their tireless efforts to move this legislation forward.

The second: the New York State Legislature approved important legislation, S.1066-B (Mayer)/A.1709-B (Reyes), which protects New York doctors providing legally protected reproductive health services via telehealth to patients in states where abortion is illegal. As long as a New York health care provider is in compliance with New York law, this bill prohibits New York courts and state officials from cooperating if a state with an abortion ban attempts to prosecute, sue, or otherwise penalize a NY health care provider providing telehealth services. The bill is now headed to Governor Hochul, who has indicated that she supports the measure. 

Forward together,

Ezra Knight

New York Local President

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