In
2009, Model Sara Ziff issued a documentary, Picture Me, which was five years in the making. In it, Ziff covertly captured the seedy side of the fashion modeling industry, where young girls are often required to work incredibly long hours, denied or mislead about compensation, and are routinely subject to sexual harassment and even assault. In
2012, Ziff has launched the Model Alliance, in conjunction with the Fordham
University’s Fashion Law Institute. The
Alliance is “an advocacy group aimed at improving
the working conditions of fashion models.” The Alliance does not intend to form a union for models—this was apparently tried before, without success. However, the Alliance will work to educate modeling professionals about labor/employment laws. It also intends to draft a Model’s Bill of Rights, and set up a “confidential grievance center.” See Eriq Gardner, It’s Not Easy Being Beautiful, May 2012 ABA Journal.
the working conditions of fashion models.” The Alliance does not intend to form a union for models—this was apparently tried before, without success. However, the Alliance will work to educate modeling professionals about labor/employment laws. It also intends to draft a Model’s Bill of Rights, and set up a “confidential grievance center.” See Eriq Gardner, It’s Not Easy Being Beautiful, May 2012 ABA Journal.
It is
not clear what the grievance center will look like. Perhaps in time the Alliance could seek to negotiate
with flag ship fashion companies for modeling contracts to incorporate a role for
the grievance center. Such a role could
include conducting investigations and/or the making of recommendations to
address patterns of abuse or systemic violations of the law. However, confidentiality could likely not be
maintained if it were to become anything more than a “crisis hot-line” through
which models could unburden themselves or speak with a peer when confronted
with a work place problem.
If you have any labor or employment matters
that you would like to resolve privately through a knowledgeable and experienced
arbitrator or mediator, please feel free to contact Pilar Vaile, P.C. at (505)
247-0802, or info@pilarvailepc.com.
