FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Research and Communications Associate
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2018—Today the U.S. Senate voted 52-47 to adopt S. J. Res. 52, the Net Neutrality Resolution of Disapproval. This joint resolution would rescind the FCC’s 2017 order on “Restoring Internet Freedom,” maintaining the net neutrality rules adopted by the FCC in 2015.  Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Paul E. Almeida issued the following statement on the joint resolution:

“We commend the senators who voted today to undo the FCC’s order repealing net neutrality rules. Corporations should not be able to block, throttle, or otherwise limit Americans’ access to lawful online content. Consumers depend on the Internet to enjoy their favorite music, shows, and performances. Creative professionals also rely on a level digital playing field to earn a living.

DPE and its affiliate unions in the arts, entertainment, and media industries look forward to working with Congress to pass permanent net neutrality legislation that ensures consumer access to legitimate content and fully protects creative professionals’ ability to earn fair wages and benefits in the Internet age.”

DPE unions in the arts, entertainment, and media industries include:

Actors’ Equity Association (AEA)
American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)
American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA)
Directors Guild of America (DGA)
Guild of Italian American Actors (GIAA)
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE)
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU)
SAG-AFTRA
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)
Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE)

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.