New York Fashion Industry Bill Aims to Protect Workers and Regulate Talent Companies

New York Fashion Industry Workers Fight for Labor Protections

New York City, known as a global hub for the fashion industry, is home to about 180,000 fashion workers who contribute nearly $11 billion in total wages to the state’s economy. However, despite the industry’s massive economic impact, many of these workers lack basic labor protections that are standard in other industries.

A bill known as the Fashion Workers Act is gaining momentum in the state Legislature, aiming to regulate talent companies hiring models and provide fashion workers with the same labor protections as workers in other industries. The bill would mandate proper notification about contract renewals and agreements, cap agency commission fees at 20% of a model’s pay, and ensure that workers are paid within 45 days of completing a job.

Rafael Espinal, executive director of the Freelancers Union, emphasized the importance of holding management companies accountable for their treatment of workers. “For some reason, these management companies are not being held to the same standards as clients or employers, so it’s really about filling that loophole and ensuring that those people are being held accountable,” Espinal stated.

Sara Ziff, executive director of the Model Alliance, highlighted the vulnerability of many fashion industry workers, particularly young immigrant women and girls who often lack basic rights as workers. Ziff shared a disturbing example of a Taiwanese American model who had her appearance altered using artificial intelligence without her consent, underscoring the need for greater protections in the industry.

The Fashion Workers Act has already passed in the Senate and is now awaiting approval in the Assembly. The Assembly Labor Committee is expected to advance the bill for the first time on Tuesday, with hopes that it will be brought to the floor for a vote before the session ends.

With New York Fashion Week generating $600 million in state revenue annually and the fashion industry contributing about $2 billion in tax revenue, the passage of the Fashion Workers Act could have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of fashion industry workers in the state. As the industry continues to thrive, it is essential that workers are afforded the same rights and protections as workers in other sectors.