Actors’ Equity Is Latest Union to Back Kamala Harris

Gene Maddaus

9 August 2024 at 2:14 pm·1-min read

Actors’ Equity Association joined numerous other unions Friday in endorsing Kamala Harris for president, citing her record of support for labor issues.

The union represents 51,000 actors and stage managers who work in live entertainment. Its legislative priorities include the PRO Act, which would make it easier for unions to organize, and the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act, which would restore income tax deductions for performers’ business expenses.

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“Vice President Harris has prioritized the needs of workers her entire career,” said Al Vincent, Jr., the executive director of the union, in a statement. “Over these last few years she has played a vital role in President Biden’s staunchly pro-labor administration.”

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees endorsed Harris on July 22, the day after President Biden dropped out and Harris entered the race. The American Federation of Musicians and the Writers Guild of America PAC also endorsed Harris.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has not made an endorsement. In a controversial move, the union’s president, Sean O’Brien, gave a speech on the first night of the Republican convention. The union backed the Biden-Harris ticket in 2020. This time around, the union has asked its members to weigh in in an internal straw poll.

Biden offered comments supportive of both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA during their strikes against the major studios last year.

Actors’ Equity endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket in 2020, and also endorsed Biden’s re-election bid in June. Harris also has support from the United Auto Workers, the Service Employees International Union, and UNITE HERE.

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