Dance Worker Digest
August 2024

This month’s Dance Worker Digest topics cover proposed changes to the New York City Charter, the FTC's new rule banning noncompete clauses, the implications of Nassau County's mask ban, and housing resources available through the Entertainment Community Fund. 

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NYC Charter Revision Commission Releases Ballot Proposal

Earlier this year, Mayor Eric Adams established a Charter Revision Commission to propose additions to the New York City Charter, which functions as the city’s Constitution. The Commission has proposed five changes that New Yorkers will vote on in this year's general election. Two of these proposals would make it harder for the City Council to pass laws and would increase the Mayor’s power, especially around public safety legislation. These changes could slow down the legislative process, affecting the lives of all New Yorkers. The other three proposals impact sanitation, capital planning, and city operations. All dance workers who are registered voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on these proposals in November. Overall, these changes could affect the resources, opportunities, and working conditions for dance workers in the city, making it important for those in the dance community to stay informed and engaged with the electoral process.

• Check out City & State's breakdown of the proposals
• Review the full text of the ballot proposals

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New FTC Rule Banning Noncompete Agreements is Blocked by Court

Earlier this year, Federal Trade Commission published a new rule that bans noncompete clauses. This rule states that contracts cannot contain language that prevents employees from accepting new work or starting a new business after their current employment ends. However, the rule has been blocked by a federal district court in Texas. The FTC is considering appealing this ruling to a higher court, which could reinstate their ability to enforce the rule.

All workers should have the right to change jobs and pursue new career opportunities. Banning noncompetes is an important move towards building a resilient, equitable, and respected dance workforce, where dance workers can pursue creative opportunities, better wages, and new environments freely.

• Learn more about how the FTC rule was blocked by a federal judge
• Explore the FTC’s rule banning noncompetes
• Review Jean-Louis Law’s breakdown of the noncompete ban

Photo by John Shinkle/POLITICO

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Nassau County Bans Masks as Governor Hochul & Mayor Adams Explore Similar Laws for NYC

Nassau County passed the nation’s first mask ban, which makes wearing a facial covering in public a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000. The law includes exceptions for health, religious, and cultural purposes. Both Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams have publicly expressed support for a ban on masks on the New York City subway. While several mask bans have been introduced on the state and city level, none of them have advanced in the legislature or become law.

Mask bans are a dangerous attack on the bodily autonomy of all New Yorkers. They put disabled and immunocompromised people at risk of contracting COVID-19 and other illnesses. They open the door for racial and religious profiling and increased criminalization of marginalized people. Upholding the right to wear masks and other facial coverings is vital to protect disabled, BIPOC, immigrant, and other marginalized communities.

• Review NYCLU’s ‘Know Your Rights’ Guide to masking in Nassau County
• Explore Long Covid Justice’s resource list on resisting mask bans
• Learn more about Governor Hochul’s statements on mask bans

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Entertainment Community Fund Provides Housing Services

The Entertainment Community Fund provides housing services for dance and other arts and entertainment workers. These housing services include online workshops on apartment searching and affordable housing as well as a housing bulletin board for rentals, sublets, and roommates. The Entertainment Community Fund also has affordable housing that performing artists can apply for. Given that dance workers earn 15% below a NYC living wage, developing a broad range of housing resources can help our community navigate an increasingly unaffordable housing market. 

• Learn more about ECF’s Housing Services