Facts about becoming a Union Signator Company

1. Your company must be performing work or services that falls under the jurisdiction of the Union and for the Motion Picture and Television industry.

2. There are two types of Signators. “Owner” or “Employee Shareholder”. Each type has different requirements and your particular companies’ business model will need to be discussed in an individual meeting. However the basic framework for these types are the following:

Owner Companies: These are companies where the owner solely runs the business and does not perform any work that would be covered by a Bargained Agreement with the Union. The owner pays union wages and benefits on behalf of their employees who are required to be a member of the union.

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Employee Shareholder Companies: All of the above applies with the exception of the status to the owner. In these companies the owner does perform covered work that falls under the jurisdiction of the Bargained Agreement with the union. The owner is required to make benefit contributions on behalf of him or herself for 56 Hours per week for a period of 48 weeks per year to the Motion Picture Pension and Health Plans. In addition the Employee Shareholder companies are required to employ at least one other covered employee in any twelve month period, and report a minimum of 1,500 hours (in the aggregate) for such other employee(s). This is a rolling twelve month period. As well as pay the union wage bargained for in the agreement and benefits to the Motion Picture Pension and Health Plans for that/those employees who are required to be a member of the union. A submission of a security posting to the Motion Picture Pension and Health Plans is also required.

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Companies that service the Motion Picture and Television industry are varied and in many instances unique. If you wish to have further information contact the Business Agents office at the Union.