N.Y. AG's agreement with film labor organization targets diversity

NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a settlement on Friday with a film and television production labor organization that he says will ensure greater diversity in the film and television industry.

Schneiderman's office received complaints from experienced African-American and Latino applicants who were allegedly denied admission to the International Alliance of Theatrical & Stage Employees, Local 52. Local 52 is one of the labor organizations that represents employees in the film and television production industry. The organization has more than 3,500 employees who perform multiple essential jobs on film and television shoots in New York and four other states.

The organization allegedly followed a policy of nepotism in admissions and inconsistently applied its application procedures to benefit family and friends of mostly white existing members.

"My office is committed to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities in New York state," Schneiderman said. "For decades, the film and television production industry has been a cornerstone of the New York economy, an international symbol of our state, and a source of good-paying jobs. I applaud Local 52 for taking steps that will make more of those jobs available to all workers regardless of their race, ethnicity, or national origin."

Under the terms of the agreement, Local 52 will overhaul its admissions process to ensure equal opportunity for membership without regard to national origin, ethnicity or race. Local 52 will also pay $475,000 in monetary relief.