Press Releases

DPE has media staff in Washington, D.C. to handle inquiries from journalists on issues related to professionals in unions. To schedule an interview with a member of the DPE staff, contact Katie Barrows at kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org or call 202-638-0320 ext. 15 or 202-549-5991.

Katie Barrows 9/10/24 Katie Barrows 9/10/24

Arts, Entertainment, and Media Unions Launch Policy Agenda That Reimagines Federal Support for the Nonprofit Arts and Public Media

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2024 - Today, the Arts, Entertainment, and Media Industries (AEMI) coalition within the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) unveiled its Reimagining Federal Support for the Arts and Public Media policy agenda that lays out how the federal government can take an updated approach to supporting the nonprofit arts and public media. In addition to its ongoing push for increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CBP), the AEMI calls for policies to strengthen labor protections, ensure a greater worker voice in grantmaking, and modernize grantmaking guidelines.

“The nonprofit arts and public media are not just popular institutions, they are economic drivers that put union professionals to work in family supporting careers,” said DPE President Jennifer Dorning. “Committed to their long-term success, the AEMI is proud to put forward a reimagined approach to federal support for the nonprofit arts and public media that will help sustain the sector’s economic and cultural power.”

The nonprofit arts and public media help drive a segment of the economy that regularly generates four percent of the U.S. GDP and supports more than five million jobs. In fact, many union arts, entertainment, and media professionals either earn their living now or started their careers working on nonprofit productions and public media programs that receive federal funding. The policy agenda recognizes that, along with increased funding for the NEA, NEH, and CPB, a modernized approach to federal grantmaking will help make sure the sector continues to be able to offer professionals sustainable careers.

The policies proposed include: strengthening and modernizing prevailing wage protections; prioritizing seats for worker advocates on the National Council on the Arts, the National Council on the Humanities, and the CPB’s Board of Directors; and authorizing larger-dollar general operating grants through the NEA, NEH, and CPB with a worker-centered approach to grantmaking.

“I’m excited to share this policy agenda, which is informed by the lived experiences of AEMI union members who have a unique vantage point on what’s needed to best support this vital sector due to the work they perform everyday,” said Dorning.

The AEMI includes:

Actors’ Equity Association
American Federation of Musicians
American Guild of Musical Artists
American Guild of Variety Artists
Directors Guild of America
Guild of Italian American Actors
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Office and Professional Employees International Union
Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society
Writers Guild of America East

About DPE

The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.

Katie Barrows 7/29/24 Katie Barrows 7/29/24

DPE Stands in Solidarity with SAG-AFTRA Video Game Performers on Strike

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2024 - On July 26, video game performers who are Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) members went on strike against the video game companies signed to the Interactive Media Agreement. Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement in support of the striking video game performers:

“DPE stands in solidarity with SAG-AFTRA video game performers on strike for a fair contract that provides common sense AI protections for the professionals who contribute to the success of the multi-billion dollar video game industry.

SAG-AFTRA members voice the characters that make video game stories captivating and inspire loyalty to a game, series, or company. Video game employers must do right by performers and come to a fair agreement that respects and values human creativity.

SAG-AFTRA members know firsthand that, while AI is a tool that can contribute to workplace improvement, it also has the potential for abuse. Like professionals in every industry, SAG-AFTRA video game performers are right to demand reasonable, clear, and enforceable contract language that prevents exploitation through AI.

Our coalition of union professionals stands firmly behind SAG-AFTRA members holding the line for fair AI protections.”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 4/30/24 Katie Barrows 4/30/24

DPE Applauds USTR’s 2024 Special 301 Report for Monitoring IP Protection Around the World

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, Apr. 30, 2024 - Last week, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released its annual Special 301 Report, which details the findings of USTR’s review of intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement in countries around the world. Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement on the report:

“I applaud Ambassador Tai, USTR staff, and interagency partners for their hard work on the 2024 Special 301 Report. Current information on global trends related to IP enforcement is important to union creative professionals. In today’s digital era, members of DPE’s affiliate unions depend on effective copyright enforcement around the world because they earn collectively bargained pay and contributions to their health insurance and pension plans from the legitimate global sales and licensing of the content they help create. Inadequate copyright enforcement, along with content theft, harms every day creative professionals due to lost jobs and hard-earned pay.

Ensuring effective global IP enforcement matters now more than ever given the advent of generative AI. Without safeguards and appropriate transparency, AI will be used as a sophisticated, deceptive tool for content theft and the unauthorized digital replication of individual’s voices and likenesses. Special 301 Reports can help ensure that the copyright and IP protections union creative professionals depend on for their economic livelihoods are not weakened, distorted, or ignored to unfairly benefit AI developers.

DPE reiterates its appreciation to USTR and the Biden-Harris Administration for its continued commitment to a trade policy that prioritizes the needs of professionals.”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 2/6/24 Katie Barrows 2/6/24

DPE Applauds USTR’s Annual Report on Markets with Substantial Content Theft

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released its 2023 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy report, which calls out online and physical markets where substantial piracy or counterfeiting occurs in an effort to motivate private sector organizations and governments to reduce content theft. Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement on the report:

“I applaud Ambassador Tai, USTR staff, and interagency partners for again highlighting the scourge of content theft through the 2023 Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy report. Union professionals who are members of DPE’s affiliated unions in the arts, entertainment, and media industries depend on legitimate sales and licensing of the films, TV shows, music, and other works they help create for their collectively bargained pay and contributions to their health insurance and pension plans. The theft of this content harms every day creative professionals and the American economy as a whole by leading to annual losses in jobs and revenue in the creative industries.

DPE continues to push for strong copyright protections and enforcement to address these issues, especially with the emergence of generative AI. Absent safeguards and appropriate transparency, AI will be used as a sophisticated, deceptive tool for content theft and the unauthorized digital replication of individual’s voices and likenesses. Monitoring the misuse of AI for these illicit purposes in future Notorious Markets List will be important.

DPE appreciates USTR’s and the Biden-Harris Administration’s continued commitment to a trade policy that prioritizes the needs of working people.”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 1/31/24 Katie Barrows 1/31/24

Coalition of Entertainment Workers, Unions, and Employers Urges Congress to Restore Tax Fairness by Passing PATPA as Tax Season Begins

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2024 - This week marks the start of another tax season with a tax code that punishes entertainment professionals for seeking employment. Entertainment workers, their unions, and their employers are continuing to stand together to demand Congress pass the bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA) to restore tax fairness for those working in the arts and entertainment industries.

“For too long, hard-working, middle-class entertainment professionals have been penalized with an unfair tax code. Their taxes increased with the last tax reform bill while CEOs and billionaires got a tax cut,” said Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning.

When the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) passed, it eliminated the ability of entertainment workers to deduct necessary work expenses that most spend 20 to 30 percent of their gross income on. Without the ability to deduct expenses like travel to auditions, talent agents, and equipment, entertainment workers now owe burdensome amounts in taxes, which causes many to struggle to make ends meet.

PATPA would fix this issue by updating the Qualified Performing Artist (QPA) deduction. The QPA deduction allows eligible entertainment workers the option to take above-the-line deductions for certain unreimbursed expenses, but it is currently limited to taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of $16,000. PATPA would raise the thresholds of the QPA deduction to $100,000 for single tax filers and $200,000 for joint tax filers to help ensure middle-class entertainment workers qualify for the deduction.

PATPA was introduced for this Congress in the House of Representatives by Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Judy Chu (D-CA) in April 2023, and currently has support with 83 cosponsors. It also has the support of many employers and arts organizations, including Americans for the Arts, the Motion Picture Association, the Broadway League, National Independent Venue Association, and many state and regional arts organizations.

“We are grateful for the leadership of Representatives Buchanan and Chu in fighting for a tax code that treats entertainment workers fairly by co-sponsoring PATPA. We urge both the House and Senate to pass PATPA and send it to President Biden’s desk to sign into law,” said Dorning.

About DPE

Katie Barrows 1/23/24 Katie Barrows 1/23/24

Professional Union Membership Made Gains in 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2024 - Professional union membership grew by over 185,000 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ annual union membership report released today. This increase in membership brings the total of professionals in unions up from 6.26 million in 2022 to 6.45 million in 2023, which is a new high for professional union membership. Union density among professionals saw little change in 2023 partially due to the growth in total employment of professionals. Density was 10.32 percent in 2023 compared to 10.45 percent in 2022. Additionally, overall union membership ticked up in 2023 to 14.4 million.

“Professionals in unions are exercising their workplace rights and winning improved working conditions,” said DPE President Jennifer Dorning. “The frequency and visibility of these victories combined with changes in the economy, such as high inflation, short staffing, and increasing use of AI in the workplace, have shown professionals that they need a real say in their workplaces, which can be achieved by joining together in union.”

The nonprofit and federal sectors saw large increases in union membership among professionals in 2023, with membership growing by 13 percent and 5 percent, respectively. Additionally, school administration was an occupation category that saw a large bump in union membership in 2023, growing by 14 percent. DPE affiliates representing professional employees across the country contributed to these organizing gains by fostering solidarity and effectively demonstrating the value of union membership.

Professionals have become an increasingly larger share of the labor movement. In 2023, professionals made up 45 percent of all union members, up one percentage point from 44 percent in 2022. A decade prior, in 2013, professionals made up 40 percent of all union members.

“DPE is proud to support our affiliated unions as they bring a growing number of professionals together in union to raise standards in their workplaces and in workplaces across the U.S.,” said Dorning. “Professionals are continuing to prove that they are an important part of the current and future labor movement.”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 1/2/24 Katie Barrows 1/2/24

DPE Remembers Seafarers International Union Emeritus President Michael Sacco

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2024 - DPE President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement in response to the news of the passing of Seafarers International (SIU) President Emeritus Michael “Mike” Sacco:

“President Sacco will be remembered for his devotion to seafarers’ rights and service to the labor movement. He led SIU and the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO for 35 years, which made him the longest-serving president in the history of the organizations. President Sacco brought stability during times of great change in his union, including a merger. His lengthy tenure of service will continue to be an inspiration to advocates of workers’ rights.

President Sacco’s passing is a loss to the labor movement. My thoughts are with President Sacco’s family, friends, and SIU siblings during this difficult time.”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 9/26/23 Katie Barrows 9/26/23

DPE Mourns the loss of USW International President Tom Conway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2023 - Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement in response to the news of the passing of United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway:

“DPE joins the United Steelworkers in mourning the loss of International President Tom Conway. To know Tom was to know his unwavering commitment to his fellow Steelworkers, whether he was negotiating union contracts or fighting for fair trade deals. Tom’s devotion to working people also extended beyond the walls of his own union. He understood the importance of organizing and growing the labor movement's power to ensure all workers receive the respect they deserve. No matter your industry or profession, Tom had your back. As we grieve Tom’s loss, we also look to his life and legacy as a model for carrying forward the mission of a more just world for workers that he cared about so deeply. My thoughts are with Tom’s family, friends, and union colleagues during this difficult time.”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 7/20/23 Katie Barrows 7/20/23

DPE Commends the Bipartisan Senate Introduction of the Keep STEM Talent Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2023 - Yesterday, Senators Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota) introduced the Keep STEM Talent Act of 2023, which would exempt from the annual green card cap international graduates of U.S. colleges and universities who earn STEM advanced degrees and receive an employment offer for a job that pays above the median wage for the occupation and area from an employer that completes a labor market test. Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement on the introduction of the bipartisan Keep STEM Talent Act:

“I applaud Senators Durbin and Rounds for introducing the Keep STEM Talent Act. This bipartisan legislation would enable talented graduates from U.S. colleges and universities, including members of DPE unions, to continue contributing to the American economy while ensuring that they can earn a fair return on their work. Specifically, the Keep STEM Talent Act offers graduates with in-demand skills a direct path to permanence, rather than forcing them to accept precarious, temporary visas. This approach reinforces the professionalism of the STEM workforce and affords individuals agency in the labor market.

DPE is proud to support the Keep STEM Talent Act’s high-road approach to attracting and retaining international talent. I urge the Senate to pass this important legislation.”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 7/13/23 Katie Barrows 7/13/23

DPE Stands in Solidarity with SAG-AFTRA Members Going on Strike

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2023 - Today, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) announced members will go on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) starting at midnight tonight. Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement in support of performers going on strike:

“DPE and our coalition of professionals stand with SAG-AFTRA members going on strike. SAG-AFTRA members help bring to life TV shows, films, and other content that produce billions in profits for hugely successful studios. Performers, like all professionals, must be able to pursue family-supporting careers as their industry evolves with new technologies. DPE calls on the AMPTP to negotiate a contract that provides SAG-AFTRA members with a fair return on their work.

Solidarity with SAG-AFTRA members who join Writers Guild members in holding the line for a fair contract!”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 6/8/23 Katie Barrows 6/8/23

DPE Mourns the Passing of AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2023 - Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement in response to the news of the passing of AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs:

“DPE joins our affiliates and the broader labor movement in mourning the loss of AFL-CIO Chief Economist Bill Spriggs. Bill committed his life to advancing economic and racial justice, using his knowledge and acumen to shape policies that led to a more just, prosperous world for millions of working people. Bill always brought attention to the inequities in our economy and the urgent need for policies that allow all workers to earn a fair return on their work. Bill will be sorely missed, but his commitment to economic and racial equality will carry on in all of us who knew him. My thoughts are with Bill’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 5/31/23 Katie Barrows 5/31/23

DPE Stands with DGA Members Negotiating with the AMPTP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2023 - Directors Guild of America (DGA) members are in their final week of negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) for a new contract. Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement in support of DGA members:

“DPE stands with DGA members negotiating with the AMPTP for a fair contract that recognizes directors’ and directorial teams' role in the success of the entertainment industry. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, DGA members - like all creative professionals who help create the content that pulls in billions in profit for film and television producers - deserve a fair return on their work. DPE stands shoulder to shoulder with DGA in their push for a contract that increases wages to address inflation, includes residuals gains that reflect an increasingly international industry, strengthens healthcare and pension benefits, creates safer sets, and improves diversity, equity, and inclusion. Solidarity with DGA members as they near the expiration of their current contract.”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 5/8/23 Katie Barrows 5/8/23

DPE Commends the Nomination of Deborah Robinson for Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, May 8, 2023 - Today, President Biden announced his intention to nominate Deborah Robinson for the position of the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC). The IPEC is the position in the Executive Office of the President statutorily charged with engaging on copyright protection and enforcement issues and coordinating the actions of multiple federal agencies.

Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement on Robinson’s nomination:

“I commend President Biden for nominating Deborah Robinson to serve as the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC). Deborah’s more than two decade legal career makes her well-qualified to serve in this critical role.

At a time when policy makers are confronting the rapid emergence of AI and grappling with the growth of digital trade, middle class creative professionals, including members of DPE’s affiliate unions, need a person in the IPEC role who understands that their economic livelihoods depend on strong intellectual property protections. I believe Deborah meets the mark on this important qualification.

I urge the Senate to move swiftly on Deborah’s confirmation. Union professionals need a confirmed IPEC on the job right away. Previously, the Senate has confirmed IPEC nominees in both Democratic and Republican administrations with overwhelming bipartisan support, and Deborah should be no different.”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 5/2/23 Katie Barrows 5/2/23

DPE Stands with WGAE and WGAW Members on Strike, Urges AMPTP to Agree to a Fair Contract

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2023 - Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement in support of Writers Guild of America, East’s (WGAE) and Writers Guild of America, West’s (WGAW) members in film and television on strike:

“Our coalition of union professionals stands with WGAE and WGAW members on strike. Film and television writers are essential to the creation of the entertainment many of us enjoy. The projects these talented professionals help create also reaps billions in profits for film and television producers.Yet, writing in the entertainment industry is becoming less and less of a sustainable career and many writers struggle to support themselves and their families. Writers deserve a fair return on their work. DPE calls on the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to come to a fair agreement that recognizes the critical role writers play in film, television, and other entertainment projects.

Solidarity with Writers Guild members on strike!”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 5/1/23 Katie Barrows 5/1/23

DPE Commends USCIS for Taking Action to Address Gaming of H-1B Visa Lottery, Renews Call for Reform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2023 - On Friday, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a notice that it has found evidence that some employers are abusing the H-1B registration process, thereby increasing their chances of winning H-1B visas to hire workers from outside of the country in this year’s lottery.

Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement on the USCIS findings:

“I appreciate that USCIS is taking action to address part of a problem DPE and our affiliated unions, whose members span immigration statuses and include H-1B workers, have been calling attention to for years - employers can, and do, game the H-1B visa lottery system. While USCIS's announced actions are a welcome development, as long as the lottery system exists, companies will take advantage of it to the detriment of all professionals. DPE continues to advocate for a wage-based visa allocation system. Wage-based allocation of H-1B visas would provide a market-based process to ensure that H-1B workers can earn fair wages and employers who truly cannot find available workers can meet their staffing needs. This common-sense reform would go a long way to reforming the H-1B visa program so that it works for U.S. professionals and those employed on H-1B visas.

DPE again calls on USCIS to use its regulatory authority to adopt a wage-based H-1B visa allocation process to fully address the unfair gamesmanship it has identified. Additionally, DPE urges Congress to address the broader issues that plague the current H-1B visa system by passing the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act.”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 4/19/23 Katie Barrows 4/19/23

DPE Applauds the House Reintroduction of PATPA, Legislation Focused on Restoring Tax Fairness for Entertainment Professionals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2023 - Today, Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Judy Chu (D-CA) reintroduced the bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA), which would update the Qualified Performing Artist (QPA) deduction by raising the adjusted gross income cap from $16,000 to $100,000 for single taxpayers and $200,000 for joint filers to help ensure middle-class entertainment professionals qualify to take the QPA deduction for certain unreimbursed, work-related expenses.

In response to the House reintroduction of PATPA, Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement:

“This tax season middle class entertainment professionals once again grappled with owing unnecessarily burdensome amounts in taxes because they are unable to deduct expenses required to secure and maintain employment. I applaud Representatives Chu and Buchanan for prioritizing this issue by reintroducing PATPA.

Many middle class actors, stage managers, dancers, musicians, cinematographers, and other entertainment professionals spend 20 to 30 percent of their income on necessary work expenses. An unintended consequence of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was the elimination of the ability to take miscellaneous deductions. This change hit these professionals, including members of DPE’s affiliate unions, particularly hard due to the out of pocket costs they incur to travel to auditions, for equipment, and to hire talent agents. In effect, these middle class entertainment professionals are incurring a financial penalty when they look for work in their profession. By updating the QPA deduction, PATPA will ensure that individuals in the entertainment industry have the option to take an ‘above-the-line’ deduction for these types of expenses.

We urge Congress to restore tax fairness for entertainment professionals by passing PATPA and sending it to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 4/14/23 Katie Barrows 4/14/23

Union Professionals, Including SDC’s Laura Penn, Appointed to the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, April 14, 2023 - Yesterday, President Biden announced his appointees to the reestablished President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. The appointees include Laura Penn, executive director of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) and member of the Department for Professionals Employees’ (DPE’s) General Board, and members of DPE’s affiliated unions.

The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities aims to facilitate public-private partnerships, promote interagency cooperation, and propose programs to enhance the arts, humanities, museums, and library services throughout the nation. Lady Gaga will co-chair the committee with producer Bruce Cohen. Other individuals appointed to the committee include actor George Clooney, television show creator Shonda Rhimes, and musician John Batiste. Additionally, the heads of key federal agencies, like the Chairs of the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, will serve on the committee.

DPE President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement on the announcement of the appointees to the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities:

“I applaud President Biden for restoring the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, and for ensuring that union creative professionals have a seat at the table. I am thrilled that President Biden has appointed Laura Penn and other members of DPE’s affiliated unions to serve on this important committee.

Members of DPE affiliate unions play an essential role in powering the arts and humanities, and having their voice and expertise on this committee will be invaluable in building out a national strategy to advance the arts and humanities.

With the addition of Laura Penn, the committee gains an individual of great caliber and character who brings decades’ worth of experience in the arts. As executive director of DPE affiliate SDC, Laura understands first hand that union professionals strengthen the arts sector through bargaining for good pay, benefits, and working conditions. The achievements of SDC and members of other DPE affiliate unions have ensured that the people working in the more than five million jobs in the creative sectors can earn a fair return on their work and sustain family-supporting careers.

I’m excited to see the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities raise the profile of the arts and humanities and take steps to bolster the sector and the professionals who work in it.”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 3/28/23 Katie Barrows 3/28/23

DPE Applauds the Senate Reintroduction of the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2023 - Yesterday, Senators Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reintroduced the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act. Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement in response to the Senate reintroduction of the bill:

“I commend Senators Durbin and Grassley for reintroducing the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act, which will improve the H-1B visa program so that it works for U.S. professionals and the people employed on H-1B visas, not just employers. I also thank Senators Blumenthal, Brown, Sanders, and Tuberville for joining as original co-sponsors.

When used as intended, the H-1B program can play an important role in our economy by attracting skilled and talented workers to the United States. Unfortunately, today employers regularly misuse the H-1B program to lower standards for middle-class professionals, outsource and offshore good jobs, and pay H-1B workers below market wages in arrangements where employers control their lives.

The bipartisan H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act will go a long way toward reforming these visa programs by lifting wages, promoting worker empowerment, and ensuring that employees can exercise their workplace rights free of retaliation or coercion.

I also urge the Biden administration to take administrative actions to help fix the broken H-1B program, including adopting a wage-based visa allocation process and updating the prevailing wage levels.

DPE renews its call for Congress to pass the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act and send it to President Biden’s desk to become law.”

About DPE

Katie Barrows 3/21/23 Katie Barrows 3/21/23

Arts, Entertainment, and Media Unions Launch Updated DEI Policy Priorities for the 118th Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2023 - Today, unions of professionals in the arts, entertainment, and media industries affiliated with the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) announced their updated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policy agenda for the 118th Congress. The policy agenda’s legislative priorities are centered around creating diverse talent pipelines, incentivizing diversity in hiring, and strengthening creative professionals’ workplace rights.

“Union professionals in the arts, entertainment, and media industries remain committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said DPE President Jennifer Dorning. “The updated DEI policy agenda for the 118th Congress allows union creative professionals to continue building off gains made in collective bargaining that provide for more inclusive, representative industries.”

DPE and its 12 affiliated unions with members in the arts, entertainment, and media industries first released their DEI policy agenda in 2021. In the last Congress, union creative professionals advanced many parts of the agenda, including a meaningful increase in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the establishment of chief diversity officer positions at each agency.

The DEI policy agenda for 118th Congress includes additional legislative priorities, like restoring tax fairness for creative professionals and addressing systemic barriers to careers in arts, entertainment, and media. Still, passing the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, the American Music Fairness Act, and the Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act; reforming Section 512 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act; and creating federal tax incentives that will encourage more inclusive hiring remain core components of the policy agenda.

“The arts, entertainment, and media industries are becoming more diverse and inclusive thanks to the efforts of union professionals at the bargaining table and in the halls of power. However, we realize this work is not finished, which is why we remain committed to pushing for smart policy solutions that will help continue to move the creative industries forward and allow creative professionals of historically marginalized communities to realize the full value of their skills and talents,” said Dorning.

The unions supporting this DEI policy agenda include:

Actors’ Equity Association

American Federation of Musicians

American Guild of Musical Artists

American Guild of Variety Artists

Directors Guild of America

Guild of Italian American Actors

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Office and Professional Employees International Union

Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists

Stage Directors and Choreographers Society

Writers Guild of America, East

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Katie Barrows 2/28/23 Katie Barrows 2/28/23

DPE Applauds Introduction of the PRO Act in the House and Senate, Urges Passage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, February 28, 2023 - Today, Rep. Bobby Scott (Va.), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), and Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.) introduced the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The bipartisan PRO Act will ensure that professionals covered by the National Labor Relations Act can exercise their right to join together in union and negotiate collectively with their employers by restoring the original intent of the law. Department for Professionals Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement in response to the introduction of the PRO Act:

“I’m excited the PRO Act has been introduced in both houses of Congress. I thank Rep. Bobby Scott (Va.), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), and Sen. Bernie Sanders for introducing this critical, bipartisan piece of workers’ rights legislation, and I applaud those members of Congress joining them as co-sponsors.

Working people across the country, including professionals, are organizing unions and exercising their workplace rights in numbers not seen in decades. Professionals have won union elections in historically unorganized industries and sectors, including at tech companies, digital media organizations, and nonprofits. Through their unions, professionals are raising standards by securing meaningful pay increases and fostering equitable workplaces. Nonunion professionals have taken notice, and according to DPE’s recent survey a strong majority want to join a union. However, many professionals struggle to exercise their workplace rights because of outdated labor laws. Employers too often spread misinformation, intimidate workers, and retaliate against workplace leaders during union organizing campaigns. Additionally, when professionals prevail in their union elections, employers, in many cases, intentionally delay first contract negotiations, which today take on average 465 days to complete. The PRO Act will create mechanisms to hold employers accountable when they break the law, provide for free and fair union elections, and ensure professionals can reach a first contract quickly after their union is recognized. Passing the PRO Act is needed to allow more professionals to improve their workplaces and create good, family-supporting careers.

I strongly urge the House and Senate to send the PRO Act to the President’s desk where it will be signed into law to ensure working people can exercise their basic right to join together in union and restore fairness to our economy.”

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