Actors’ Equity has joined several other unions in calling for the resignation of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The calls come after the release of an independent report Tuesday, which found multiple instances of sexual harassment and inappropriate touching by Cuomo. After the release of the report, which was conducted by New York Attorney General Letitia James, President Biden said Cuomo should resign and the speaker of the New York State Assembly said the legislative body would look into impeachment.
The head of the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the U.S., called for Cuomo’s resignation Wednesday. Actors’ Equity is a member of AFL-CIO.
While acknowledging Cuomo’s role in guiding Broadway through the pandemic and in assisting its members, Actors’ Equity said the governor must step down after having create a “hostile work environment.”
Full statement:
“Governor Cuomo has led the way on a number of issues of vital importance to our members, and our appreciation for his leadership at critical moments in the COVID-19 pandemic remains.
“Nevertheless, the investigation was thorough, and the facts are clear. And they are damning. There is no place for sexual harassment in the workplace – not in our theaters, and not in our government. As we work for safer workplaces for our own members where they can be free of harassment, discrimination and bullying, we demand no less from those serving in our government.
“Governor Cuomo must take responsibility for his actions and step down. Regardless of the intents of his actions, it is undeniable that the impact of his behavior is the creation of a hostile work environment and worse. We applaud the women who have bravely stepped up to share their stories, and we urge the governor to do the right thing for them and for all the people of New York by immediately resigning his position.”
