The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) President, Ned Hanlon, has issued a statement in response to recent developments impacting federal employees’ collective bargaining rights. Hanlon’s comments come amidst various actions perceived as threats to union rights.
“It has been a challenging week for labor, marked by the dismantling of FMCS, the troubling nomination of Crystal Carey as NLRB General Counsel, and now another transparently egregious attempt to undermine union rights,” Hanlon stated. He highlighted the importance of collaboration and the fundamental right of workers in the performing arts to advocate for fair treatment and mutual respect.
Hanlon expressed concern over the current administration’s efforts, describing them as an alarming move to eliminate the collective bargaining rights of federal workers. He stressed that these rights are essential for both the employees and the services they provide to Americans.
“This is not just an attack on federal employees but on the broader labor movement and the principles of equity and democracy that we hold dear,” Hanlon noted. He underscored the importance of unionized workforces in the performing arts sector, emphasizing the stability they provide in the industry.
AGMA stands in solidarity with unionized federal workers, pledging to support them alongside other unions. “We join our sibling unions in doing everything in our power to ensure that the voices of working people, from the federal government to the arts, remain heard, protected, united, and informed,” Hanlon concluded.
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