SAG-AFTRA is #UnionStrong at the New York State AFL-CIO 34th Constitutional Convention

The 34th New York State AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention was held in Manhattan at the Sheraton Times Square on Aug. 27–28, bringing union delegates from across the state together in person. Speakers included New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, New York State Attorney General Letitia James, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and New York State Sen. Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins plus union leaders, including AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento and New York State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Terrence Melvin.

SAG-AFTRA New York Local President Ezra Knight spoke on behalf of the unanimously supported Always Shoot Union! Resolution, introduced by SAG-AFTRA. This resolution ensures that all union workers are paid fairly for the work they perform, and that all New York labor unions hire union workers for jobs wherever possible. The New York State AFL-CIO supports the efforts of SAG-AFTRA and advises all of its affiliates to ensure that any covered work for which it contracts in the entertainment and media industry be performed under SAG-AFTRA agreements.

SAG-AFTRA also supported the National and New York Equal Rights Amendments and the Representation Matters Resolution, both introduced by the New York State AFL-CIO Women’s Committee. Chief Labor Policy Officer & New York Local Executive Director Rebecca Damon spoke about the need for expanded inclusion and securing long-term rights, such as those codified in the ERA. These resolutions are dedicated to improving the lives of SAG-AFTRA members and their families, protecting them from discrimination and promoting inclusivity in the workplace.

Top photo: New York Local Vice President and National Board member Liz Zazzi, SAG-AFTRA member David Bachman, New York Local President Ezra Knight, National and New York Local Board member Jay Potter, and National Vice President, Recording Artists/Singers and New York Local Board member Janice Pendarvis proudly represent their union as delegates on the first day of the New York State AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention.