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President takes steps to curtail the use of unfair non-compete clauses, which are a major problem for our broadcasters, actors and recording artists.

Today, SAG-AFTRA issued the following statement in response to President Biden signing an executive order promoting competition in the American economy.

"SAG-AFTRA is thrilled to see President Biden take steps to curtail the use of unfair non-compete clauses, which are a major problem for our broadcasters, actors and recording artists,” said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. "President Biden is sending a strong signal to employers that contractual restrictions that prevent broadcasters and artists from working are stifling the economy. Consumers have more choices than ever and artists should too. It’s well past time to cast aside laws that inhibit creative professionals from applying their trade freely and fairly.”

Encouraging competition is why SAG-AFTRA, our partners, Music Artists Coalition, and a number of artist advocacy groups and worker unions strongly endorse the FAIR Act (AB1385) in the California legislature. The Fair Act sets limits on studios’ and labels’ ability to unilaterally hold artists off the market. More than 82,000 of SAG-AFTRA’s 160,000 members reside and work in California and they count on California to lead the way in entertainment and media worker protections. The Fair Act was introduced by California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), a long-time champion of workers’ rights.

SAG-AFTRA will also work with the Federal Trade Commission to ensure prohibitions on non-compete agreements for broadcasters, artists and all workers are strong and comprehensive.

More information on the FAIR Act can be found here: https://www.sagaftra.org/sag-aftra-and-music-artists-coalition-mac-join… here: https://cafairact.com/

President Biden's Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy can be found here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/09…

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.

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