File #: Res 0729-2023    Version: * Name: Expressing unwavering support of striking SAG-AFTRA members in their pursuit of a fair and just contract.
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Committee: Committee on Civil Service and Labor
On agenda: 8/3/2023
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution expressing unwavering support of striking SAG-AFTRA members in their pursuit of a fair and just contract.
Sponsors: Amanda Farías, Carmen N. De La Rosa, Eric Dinowitz, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Gale A. Brewer, Tiffany Cabán, Marjorie Velázquez, Sandy Nurse, Julie Menin, Shahana K. Hanif, Shekar Krishnan, Farah N. Louis, Erik D. Bottcher, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Chi A. Ossé, Keith Powers , Public Advocate Jumaane Williams
Council Member Sponsors: 17
Attachments: 1. Res. No. 729, 2. Committee Report 8/1/23, 3. Hearing Testimony 8/1/23, 4. Hearing Transcript 8/1/23, 5. Committee Report - Stated Meeting, 6. August 3, 2023 - Stated Meeting Agenda, 7. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 8-3-23, 8. Minutes of the Stated Meeting - August 3, 2023

Preconsidered Res. No. 729

 

Resolution expressing unwavering support of striking SAG-AFTRA members in their pursuit of a fair and just contract.

 

By Council Members Farías, De La Rosa, Dinowitz, Sanchez, Brewer, Cabán, Velázquez, Nurse, Menin, Hanif, Krishnan, Louis, Bottcher, Brooks-Powers, Ossé, Powers and the Public Advocate (Mr. Williams)

 

Whereas, The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) represents 32,000 actors, performers, broadcasters, recording artists, and other media professionals working in New York State’s entertainment industry, who are currently on strike without a contract; and

Whereas, The film and television industry in New York City is a pivotal economic driver, generating substantial revenue and providing numerous job opportunities for local residents; and

Whereas, The success of the film and television industry in New York City is inextricably linked to the talent, dedication, and hard work of the SAG-AFTRA members; and

Whereas, SAG-AFTRA plays a crucial role to ensure equitable treatment of their members within the film and television industry; and

Whereas, SAG-AFTRA has been diligently negotiating a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMTP) to address the needs and concerns of its members, including increased minimum pay rates, increased streaming residuals, improved working conditions, and guarantees about how artificial intelligence will be used in productions; and

Whereas, SAG-AFTRA has stressed that new developments in the entertainment industry associated with the proliferation of streaming platforms and the use of generative AI should not be used to devalue actors who create productions; and

Whereas, The AMTP must engage in a good-faith dialogue with SAG-AFTRA because a fair resolution remains crucial to maintaining the livelihoods of the talented professionals within the industry; and

Whereas, SAG-AFTRA members play a vital role in the success and prosperity of the film and television industry in New York City; and

Whereas, The fundamental right of workers to organize, collectively bargain, and strike must be acknowledged and protected to ensure that workers are treated with dignity and respect; now, therefore, be it,

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York expresses unwavering support of striking SAG-AFTRA members in their pursuit of a fair and just contract.

 

LS #14051

7/20/23

EA