Child Models Protected Under New York Labor Law

It’s official – the New York State Senate and Assembly unanimously passed legislation on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, to finally afford child models the protections they deserve as workers in the State of New York.  The bill, proposed by Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein and State Senate Labor Committee Chairwoman Diane Savino, is the culmination, in part, of the Model Alliance’s efforts to improve the working conditions within the modeling industry.

This legislation recognizes models under the age of eighteen as child performers – a definition in which print and runway models were notably absent prior to today.  Child models will now legally be afforded the same protections as child actors, dancers and musicians working in New York.  These regulations not only include provisions for mandatory financial trusts and the presence of chaperones and tutors on set, amongst others, but they are overseen by the Department of Labor, which possesses far greater resources to enforce regulations than the Department of Education (the agency which previously was tasked with overseeing regulations pertaining to the employment and education of child models in New York).

New York City is hailed as the fashion capital of the world, and with many models beginning their careers in their early teens, this legislation is vital to ensuring these young workers are protected under the law.  We are thrilled by the support this legislation has received and we look forward to continuing our efforts to improve the industry as a whole.

In solidarity,
Sara Ziff