Making Ends Meet During the Entertainment Industry Strikes

On Monday, Aug. 28, the New York State Department of Labor held a hybrid seminar at the SAG-AFTRA office in New York and via webinar for members of SAG-AFTRA, WGAE, and entertainment industry unions. The purpose of the discussion was to provide information about resources for New Yorkers affected by the entertainment industry strikes. 

The seminar was hosted by New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon along with SAG-AFTRA Executive Director, New York Local, Labor Policy and International Affairs Rebecca Damon and WGA East General Counsel Ann Burdick. It featured presentations from representatives from the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul, the New York State Department of Labor, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and the Entertainment Community Fund. The seminar covered unemployment insurance, workforce development childcare and food resources available from the state, and grants and services available to members through the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and the Entertainment Community Fund.  

Reardon, who is a former founding co-president of SAG-AFTRA, stated in her opening remarks, “As labor commissioner, I want you all to know that each of you play a vital role in New York’s globally recognized, multibillion-dollar entertainment industry, and you are an essential part of our robust economy.” 

Top photo: New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Readon addresses attendees at the hybrid seminar. Photo by Leah Barna / NYS Dept. of Labor.