Entertainment industry union issues code of conduct to guard against sexual harassment

The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists union (SAG-AFTRA), which represents thousands of actors and entertainers, on Sunday announced a new code of conduct aimed at clarifying its policies on sexual harassment.

“The recent intensified focus on sexual harassment in our industry and across many sectors has exposed abuses of power that pervade workplaces across the country and beyond. We believe it also presents a unique opportunity for unprecedented change and is a call to action for us all,” SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris wrote to members.

The new code of conduct states that employers are obligated to provide a harassment-free workplace, and that employers may not retaliate against others who report sexual harassment. 

The SAG-AFTRA National Board of Directors overwhelmingly approved a Code of Conduct on Sexual Harassment as part of a broader program to combat sexual harassment and achieve workplace equity. Click the link: https://t.co/SnUIYu5MVm

— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) February 11, 2018

{mosads}The code also makes clear that union members who are working as producers or supervisors face the same rules as employers. 

In addition, the union says that those of its members accused of harassment will have the right to representation by the union in order to ensure due process.

SAG-AFTRA represents 160,000 actors, broadcasters and recording artists.

The entertainment industry was rocked last year by numerous allegations of sexual misconduct against high profile men. Women and men came forward to accuse Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Dustin Hoffman and others of misconduct.

Attendees at last month’s Golden Globes wore black in solidarity with the “Time’s Up” and “#MeToo” movements, which aim to combat systemic sexual harassment.