THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR REMINDS FASHION INDUSTRY T...

Model Management Companies and Model Management Groups Must Register with NYSDOL Starting December 21

Companies can Register Here

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today announced that the registration portal is now open for model management companies and groups to register their agency with the state, as required by the New York State Fashion Workers Act. Once registered via the online portal, companies will receive a registration number and a Certificate of Registration.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "In New York State, we believe in protecting all workers regardless of industry. The Fashion Workers Act is designed to fight exploitation and protect models, giving them fair compensation and safe working conditions so they can continue to play an important role in New York State's multibillion-dollar fashion industry. I encourage model management companies and groups to stay in compliance with the law by registering today."

The law, which went into effect in June, outlines the requirements for companies, including:

• Acting in the best interest of the models they represent;
• Ensuring a safe work environment;
• Providing models with a written agreement detailing their total compensation before work begins and clearly communicating itemized deductions and disclosing any financial relationships with clients;
• Establishing company policies and complaint processes that addresses abuse, harassment, and any other inappropriate behavior towards models; and
• Outline penalties for violations of company policies.

The law also prohibits these groups from imposing certain fees, requiring models to sign contracts for longer than three years, and using models' digital replicas without permission.

To learn more about the Fashion Workers Act, visit this resource page.