LOS ANGELES — The Adult Performance Artists Guild (APAG) has announced they have received their federal filing number from the U.S. Department of Labor, confirming their status as a union.
The union — once originally known as the Adult Performers Actors Guild — is now recognized after members of APAG severed their relationship with their former parent union and reorganized.
“With the milestone of 1,000 verified members on the horizon, APAG is proud to have received their filing approved by the Department of Labor,” said a rep.
APAG’s filing status offers the Los Angeles-area-based union the opportunity to open multiple chapters across the world as an international union.
APAG told XBIZ they are “currently focused on growing membership, continuing their battle against occupational discrimination and creating collective bargaining agreements with adult businesses and platforms.”
APAG’s board members are listed as President Alana Evans, Vice President Ruby, Secretary Kelly Pierce, Treasurer Ash of DitaInc, Sergeant At Arms Amber Lynn and APAG Legal Counsel James Felton, as well as India Morel as board member, Jorge Reano as Parliamentarian and Tino D as Steward.
“It has been a long road for our group,” stated Evans. “We are so pleased that after so many years of being held down, restricted by past issues with our former parent union, the freedom of having our own filing will empower our members and our community.”
“We will be able to fund our programs and extend our access to care and support for our workers,” Evans added.
Legal counsel James Felton stated, “I am really proud of the officers and members of the union who made this happen. This step will open up lots of important opportunities for performers.”
APAG holds member meetings biweekly offering educational panels, political and legislative webinars, committee meetings and worker support. They currently offer a performer training program where industry workers can complete a series of educational courses and receive a certificate of completion. Performers may also seek health insurance, help with social media account removal and report on-set issues, among other benefits.
For more information, visit APAGunion.com and follow the group on Twitter.