Letters: Fashion models have a stake in Equity
February 11, 2012
Jett Hudd
We were pleased to read an article applauding the unionisation of models and the birth of the Model Alliance in America (Fashion’s real victims, 14 February). However, Ms Gold failed to mention in her article that Equity has, since December 2009, welcomed models into the union and has painstakingly carried out work on their behalf since that time. Working with the British Fashion Council as part of the Model Programme, Equity has succeeded in establishing the first minimum guidelines for the employment of models on a catwalk at London fashion week, which provides, among other things, that no model under 16 years of age is employed.
Recently I posted a piece about the lawsuit brought against Monsanto by a coalition of organic farmers, seed growers, and others. Farmers have not had much success in seeking protection against Monsanto, but this time, the arguments of the growers are scheduled to be heard in federal district court January 31. Monsanto tried to get the lawsuit dismissed, but the judge ruled to hear from the farmers to assess if the case should move forward. This is a big deal.