MLK Day was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 and finally observed as a national holiday in 1986. 35 years later, our progressive and forward-thinking industry – self-proclaimed leaders in diversity and equality – still does not recognize this holiday in our BASIC AGREEMENT. All IATSE employees working under this agreement are expected to report to work on this day - and it is time for that to change! This ever-important holiday needs to FINALLY be observed by all MAJORS and included in the 2022-2025 Basic Agreement as a national holiday. Anything less is unacceptable and inexcusable!

The fight for Civil Rights and Equality and Inclusion CONTINUES in our country in 2021 – The Struggle is as relevant and real as ever and Martin Luther King Jr. is an important symbol in this decades-long fight. He died for this noble cause. And as supposed leaders in this continued struggle it is dishonorable to the man’s great legacy that we continue to work on his day, a national holiday, one of the only national holidays NOT recognized in the Majors contract. Further, it is the ONLY national holiday not honored by ANY of New York’s Major Unions. This is UNACCEPTABLE BY ANY AND EVERY MEASURE. Martin Luther King Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause and MLK Day should be recognized in the Basic Agreement IMMEDIATELY and WITHOUT FAIL.

Please sign this petition and share it appropriately and freely so we can show IATSE and AMPTP leadership that they need to right this wrong and honor this important day once and for all. Thank you, my IATSE brothers and sisters!