A Letter from Your NY Local President Ezra Knight

Hello N.Y. Local Members, 

I begin this dispatch with deep gratitude to all of our members who joined us at the New York City Labor Day Parade and March last Saturday, Sept. 10. We were proud to march with the Hip Hop Alliance and all of our union siblings who make New York a union town. It was a wonderful day, and I was inspired to see so many members participate in Labor’s celebration of workers. Special thanks to our members who marched with the MOVE New York WNY/CNY Subcommittee at the Buffalo AFL-CIO Labor Day Parade on Monday, Sept. 5. 

I also have good news about the fruits of our advocacy. Earlier this year we notified you that through the efforts of SAG-AFTRA, our fellow entertainment labor unions, and the Entertainment Community Fund (ECF) — fka the Actors Fund — the New York State Legislature significantly improved and expanded the COBRA subsidy available to entertainment professionals who no longer qualify for health insurance from a union health plan. Click here for more information about the expanded NY State COBRA subsidy, eligibility and how to apply.

Once again, the ECF and the Friedman Health Center are offering free flu shots to arts and entertainment workers in October and November. Click here for details and a link to their online appointment scheduler. 

The ECF also offers Every Artist Insured workshops and their Artists Health Insurance Resource Center provides access to trained, unbiased Navigators who provide free assistance with health insurance enrollment via one-on-one counseling. The open enrollment period in New York for 2023 health insurance plans begins on Nov. 1. 

Finally, I encourage all members to take advantage of the free programming offered by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. These virtual presentations cover a wide array of topics. Upcoming offerings include Acting & Movement in Motion Capture, Getting VO Representation and Voiceover Lab: Optimizing Voice Endurance & Longevity. Click here for a full calendar of SAG-AFTRA Foundation events. 

Forward together,

Ezra Knight
New York Local President