COVID-19

• AICP RTW Protocols

  Dear Local 44 Sisters and Brothers,

  After months of difficult and complicated negotiations, the Joint Unions (IATSE, DGA, Teamsters), and the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP), have announced the finalization of the highly anticipated COVID-19 Commercial Production Safety and Testing Protocol Agreement. We have combined both the summary as well as the full contractual language for your convenience here. You will also find the accompanying full Appendix A document regarding AICP COVID-19 workplace guidelines and considerations here. This agreement was reached late in the day December 1st, and will go into effect on December 15th. Take care.

  In Solidarity,
  Tobey Bays
  Business Agent

• ATTENTION: Seeking Experienced Sewing Persons

  In our continued crisis relief efforts, Local 44 is paring with Local 705 and Local 892 to produce face masks for employees of the medical community and essential businesses. We need the help of our experienced sewing persons willing to volunteer their services for the cause. Please click on the links on the flyer below for more information and instructions for pick-up and drop-off of materials. Thank you for your continuous support and diligence throughout this global pandemic.

  ---

  

• CIC Letter to CA Congressional Delegation

  March 17, 2020 Dear California Congressional Delegation: We are writing to you on behalf of the over 45,000 members of the California IATSE Council (CIC) who live and work in the entertainment industry in our State. We realize that this is a time of great economic upheaval that is impacting every industry and business—and thus their workers—in California. We hope the needs of all of us can be met. However, we want to make you aware of the unique situation entertainment industry workers face because of the way work is obtained in our business. Our members often work for many different employers on many different productions over the course of a year. Since we do not fit into traditional work definitions, rules designed specifically for the single employer, or even multi-employer, work in the construction industry, are very likely to exclude our members. We ask you to ensure our members are included, and do not “fall through the cracks”, when the third coronavirus emergency package comes before you shortly. Our industry is critical to the economy of the State of California as well as to this great Nation, supporting 892,000 direct jobs and $16.3 billion in exports in 2019 alone. Specifically, the unique, mostly freelance nature of the film and television industry means that many of the women and men who make it run work only sporadically. Our members may work on only one episode of a series or prepare for a film for a year or more. They may not work every day or even every month. There may be an extended period between paying jobs. Our members count on the income from each production they work on to ensure that they can take care of their families and qualify to participate in our health and pension plans. When that film, episode, live performance, or other broadcast is canceled due to the coronavirus, our members need interim financial support just like every other hard-working American.  That is why we propose a special Emergency Coronavirus Economic Support Benefit geared to include our members who have a completed contract or a bona fide, good faith offer to work, and the production has been postponed or canceled due to the coronavirus. This would be a benefit similar to the Emergency Paid Leave benefit in Division D of HR 6201, but available to those who cannot work due to a production shut down, rather than due to illness, quarantine, or family caregiving needs. At this point, virtually all productions in the United States has shut down or will do so by the end of the week.An emergency benefit for our members will help keep them afloat when they cannot work due to no fault of their own—and when they do not otherwise qualify for any other form of emergency assistance. Film and Television production has been is synonymous with California—known to billions around the world as the home of the motion picture industry—since it settled here over 100 years ago. We employ hundreds of thousands of people and support a vast network that also includes thousands of large and small businesses across the state who depend on our industry as well. In 2018, key film and TV companies paid over $11 billion to more than 52,000 businesses. We are one of the few industries in the U.S. that can boast a trade surplus. But right now, we are completely shuttered and our workers are unprotected. When the coronavirus emergency ends, we want our members to be on the front lines of restoring California’s economic strength. We look to you to help us do that. Sincerely, Thom Davis                                                                                         President, California IATSE Council Business Manager Motion Picture Studio Grips, Crafts Service & First Aid, IATSE Local 80 Anthony Pawluc Sec-Treasurer Affiliated Property Craftspersons, IATSE Local 44 Carlos Cota International Trustee & International Representative Stage Hands, IATSE Local 122 San Diego Chuck Parker National Executive Director Art Directors Guild, IATSE Local 800 David Swope Business Representative Motion Picture Costumers, IATSE Local 705 dooner Associate National Exec. Director, IATSE Local 800 Art Directors Guild Doug Boney Business Representative, IATSE Local 884 Motion Picture Studio Teachers & Welfare Workers, IATSE Local 884 Jason Elias Business Representative Script Supervisors/Continuity, Coordinators, Accountants & Allied Production Specialists Guild, IATSE Local 871                               Jim Beaumonte President IATSE Local 16 San Francisco Joanne Desmond Assistant Business Agent IATSE Local 16 San Francisco Michael F. Miller, Jr. International Vice President, IATSE Director of the Motion Picture & Television Dept., IATSE Patric Abaravich Business Representative-Sec Studio Electrical Lighting Technicians, IATSE Local 728 Rachael Stanley Business Representative Costume Designers Guild, IATSE Local 892                Randy Sayer Business Representative Hair & Make-Up Artists, IATSE Local 706 Rebecca Rhine National Executive Director International Cinematographers Guild, IATSE Local 600 Richard Disbrow Business Representative Stage Hands, IATSE Local 122 San Diego Robert Denne Business Representative Motion Picture Set Painters & Sign Writers , IATSE Local 729 Ron Garcia International Representative IATSE Sam Bowers Business Representative IATSE Local 504 Orange County Scott Bernard Business Representative Production Sound/Video & Projection Engineers, IATSE Local 695 Sergio Medina Business Representative Treasurers & Ticket Sellers, IATSE Local 857 Steve Kaplan Business Representative The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839 Steve Lutge Business Representative Stage Hands, IATSE Local 16 San Diego                                Tobey Bays Business Representative Affiliated Property Craftsperson, IATSE Local 44 CC: California Congressional Delegation

• Contract Services - Important Updates

  

  As a safety organization, Contract Services has a responsibility to the overall health and safety of our industry. To help guard against the spread of COVID-19, we have temporarily suspended all in-persontraining and lobby visitation to our facility. This effectively means Contract Services is closed to the public, although many of our staff are still working remotely to keep critical services operating for our partnersduring this period of uncertainty.

  Electronic document submission instructions:

  • Because our lobby is closed, applicants submitting roster documentation, letters, paystubs, resumes,etc. should email them to reception@csatf.org.
  • Employment Verification Letters should be emailed to evl_processing@csatf.org.
  • Classifications with Licenses or Certifications or Credentials requirements to maintain roster statusshould email them to roster@csatf.org.

  Please note that we will be issuing training deadline extensions for in-person courses only. For individuals with online training requirements, those training deadlines still apply. In addition, to reduce the amountof paperwork passed between individuals submitting Form I-9 documents and Contract Services’ staff,Contract Services will suspend its processing of Forms I-9, effective close of business March 31, 2020.

  See our website at www.csatf.org or your portal account for the latest updates.

• COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Studios' Policy Information

  In our continued dedication to providing the information available, below is a collection of studio policies regarding COVID-19 that we have collected. As more become available, they will be added. Many companies are restricting non-essential travel, suggesting screening guidelines for international productions based on guidelines from the CDC, State Department and WHO. They are also suggesting people who are sick stay home. Precautions include frequent, 20-second hand washing, coughing into tissue, avoiding personal contact, and more frequent disinfection practices. Shows with live audiences are either eliminating them immediately or exploring ways to continue on without them.

  Up to date information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

  The Studios are also discussing contingency plans if the State or Local governments restrict travel, gatherings of large groups, and/or filming permits. We are in daily contact with the employers as this situation evolves.

  Below, you will find links to the documents we have. This article will be updated with additional documents as they become available:

  • ABC (COVID-19)
  • AICP (Business Affairs Coronavirus Alert 22920)
  • AICP (Business Affairs Coronavirus Update 3320)
  • CBS communications (COVID-19 Production Note FINAL)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC COVID19 Symptoms)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC COVID19 Factsheet)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC COVID19 Stop the spread of germs)
  • Lionsgate-Starz (Lionsgate-Starz-LGTV-Cast-Crew-Coronavirus-Notice-2page)
  • NBCUniversal communications (FINAL Production Coronavirus Update 3 4 2020)
  • NBCUniversal communications (A Note for Our Chicago Productions 3.9.2020)
  • Netflix policy (Netflix COVID-19)
  • Paramount communications (Covid-19 fact sheet cover email 3-9-20
  • Paramount communications (PPC Advisory – COVID-19 Fact Sheet 03.09.20)
  • SONY email to employees (SPE_COVID-19 email to employees 3.10.20)
  • Warner Media (CORONAVIRUS_Production Safety First)
  • Warner Media (CORONAVIRUS_Production Management Guidance Plus FAQ WB)
• COVID-19 Commercial Production Safety and Testing Protocol Agreement

  Below is the link to the pdf file of the COVID-19 Commercial Production Safety and Testing Protocol Agreement through March 15, 2022

  COVID-19 Commercial Production Safety and Testing Protocol Agreement PDF

• COVID-19 Emergency Relief Funds

  Following are a list of relief funds available to MPI participants.

  Click on a logo below to find out more information about these funds.

  

  ---

  

  ---

  

  ---

  

  ---

  

• COVID-19 Return to Work Agreement thru 01-31-2023

  Click here to view the
  RTW AMPTP Agreement thru January 31, 2023
  directly on your device.

   
• COVID-19 Return to Work Agreement thru 04-01-2023
• COVID-19 Return to Work Extension Agreement thru 4-30-22

  Click here to view the PDF for the
  COVID-19 Return to Work Extension Agreement thru 4-30-22

• COVID-19 Return to Work Summary

  Dear Local 44 Sisters and Brothers,
  As mentioned yesterday, please use this link to get the Phase 2 documents for your review and use. We have combined both the summary as well as the full contractual language for your convenience. We will also be sending out virtual town hall departmental meeting invitations next week, so be sure to check your email for those. Thank you again for your participation and patience as we get everyone back to work safely.
   
  In Solidarity,
  Tobey Bays
  Business Agent

• EDD News Release

  

   

  Contact:	Loree Levy	Date: April 2, 2020
  	Aubrey Henry
  	916-654-9029	News Release No.: 20-09

   

  Demand for unemployment benefits at historic levels as the EDD ramps up implementation of federal CARES Act benefits

• fyiMPI CORONAVIRUS UDPATE

  

  June 26, 2020

  COVID-19 (Coronavirus) news is changing rapidly, almost hour by hour. The purpose of this email is to inform you of additional steps the Motion Picture Industry Health Plan (MPIHP) has taken to help Participants and dependents deal with this current health crisis. Feel free to share any of the following with your members.

  Waiver of Health Premium

  Due to the COVID-19 national health emergency, beginning with payments due by June 30, 2020, the Motion Picture Industry Health Plan will grant a waiver of one (1) quarter (three consecutive months) of dependent eligibility premium payment for health benefits to each Active Health Plan Participant of the MPIHP in the group owing $25 per month for one dependent or $50 per month for two or more dependents who was enrolled on June 1, 2020. Active Health Plan Participants in the group subject to premium payments for themselves along with their dependents are not included in this waiver.

  Further, there will be no refunds, and anyone who has already paid a premium for the applicable period will be issued a credit for a future premium payment period.

  No-Cost COBRA for Benefit Period of September 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021

  Over the past few months, Participants who meet certain conditions have been provided with additional hours to allow them to meet the minimum hours necessary to qualify for eligibility as an Active Participant through MPIHP. These included providing Participants with eligibility for the following Benefit Periods: June 1, 2020 through November 30, 2020; July 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020; and August 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021.

  The Board of Directors of MPIHP has enacted another measure that will provide Active Health Plan eligibility to certain Participants – no-cost COBRA coverage for certain Participants for the benefit period of September 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021 so long as certain conditions are met.

  Specifically, for Active Participants in the MPIHP (excluding those currently on COBRA and those enrolled as Disabled) who are currently enrolled and whose Benefit Period ends on August 31, 2020, the MPIHP will grant up to six (6) months of special no-cost COBRA coverage for the Benefit Period commencing September 1, 2020, provided that such currently enrolled Participant has at least 100 worked and/or banked hours combined, but less than the 400 worked and/or banked hours combined required to gain eligibility for the Benefit Period commencing September 1, 2020 to and including February 28, 2021. No-cost shall mean that the standard COBRA premiums will be waived during the applicable Benefit Period; however, payment of the premiums otherwise due under the MPIHP for Active Participants will be required.

  All of the Participant’s banked hours and worked hours for the Qualifying Period from December 22, 2019 to June 20, 2020 will be applied to the Benefit Period of September 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021 prior to the granting of the special no-cost COBRA coverage, and no hours will be retained in the Participant’s Bank of Hours.

  Participants will be required to complete a COBRA enrollment form with MPIHP by August 31, 2020 in order to qualify for the special one-time benefit.

  Sincerely,

  David Asplund
  Chief Executive Officer

  

• fyiMPI COVID-19 UPDATE

  

  Last Updated on April 10, 2020

  Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans’Plan of Action in Response to COVID-19

  As the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic continues to evolve, following is a message from theBoard of Directors of the Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans (“Plans” or “MPI”)about the current crisis:

• fyiMPI Fall 2020 COVID-19 UPDATE

  

  Click here to view the Fall 2020 FYIMPI COVID-19 UPDATE

• fyiMPI Winter 2020 COVID-19 UDPATE

  

  December 23, 2020

  COVID‐19 (Coronavirus) news is changing rapidly, almost hour by hour. The purpose of this email is to inform you of the steps MPI has taken to help Participants and dependents deal with this current health crisis. Feel free to share the following with your members.

  No‐Cost COBRA for a Certain Benefit Period

  Over the past few months, Participants who meet certain conditions have been provided with additional hours to allow them to meet the minimum hours necessary to qualify for eligibility as an Active Participant through the Motion Picture Industry Health Plan (MPIHP). These included providing  Participants  with  eligibility  for  the  following  benefit  periods:  June  1,  2020  through  November 30, 2020; July 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020; and August 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021.

  The  Board  of  Directors  of  MPIHP  enacted  another  measure  that  provided  Active  Health  Plan  eligibility to certain Participants – no‐cost COBRA coverage for certain Participants for the benefit period of September 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021, October 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021, November 1, 2020 through April 30, 2021, December 1, 2020 through May 31, 2021 and January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021. This no‐cost COBRA coverage is now being offered to certain Participants for a benefit period of February 1, 2021 through April 30, 2021 so long as certain conditions are met.

  Specifically,  for  Active  Participants  in  MPIHP  (excluding  those  currently  on  COBRA)  who  are  currently enrolled and whose benefit period ends on January 31, 2021, MPIHP has granted up to three months of special no‐cost COBRA coverage for a benefit period commencing February 1, 2021, provided that such currently enrolled Participant has at least 55 worked and/or banked hours combined, but less than the 400 worked and/or banked hours combined in the Qualifying Period of May 24, 2020 to November 21, 2020 required to gain eligibility for the benefit period commencing February 1, 2021.

  For purposes of this provision, the term “worked and/or banked hours” does not include hours granted under the short‐term or long‐term disability provisions of MPIHP.

  No‐cost  shall  mean  that  the  standard  COBRA  premiums  will  be  waived  during  the  applicable  benefit period; however, payment of the premiums otherwise due under the MPIHP for Active Participants will be required.

  All of the Participant’s banked hours and worked hours for the qualifying period from May 24, 2020 to November 21, 2020 will be applied to the benefit period of February 1, 2021 to April 30, 2021 prior to the granting of the special no‐cost COBRA coverage, and no hours will be retained in the Participant’s bank of hours.

  Participants are required to complete a COBRA election form with MPIHP by January 31, 2021 in order to qualify for this special one‐time benefit.

  Sincerely,

  David Asplund
  Chief Executive Officer

  

• fyiMPI: Corona Virus Update

  

  Participants of the Motion Picture Industry Health Plan (MPIHP) should note that the COVID-19 virus (Coronavirus) diagnostic test will be covered by their particular health plan as follows:

  ---

  For Anthem Blue Cross PPO Enrollees:

  Through June 15, 2020, Participants enrolled in the Anthem Blue Cross PPO plan will incur no out-of-pocket costs (no co-payment and/or coinsurance) for the COVID-19 virus test and the associated visit for this test, when the test is ordered by an in-network medical provider and performed at an in network facility.​ The associated visit may occur in an emergency room, urgent care or doctor’s office. The COVID-19 test and the associated visit will continue to be covered at the usual plan benefit level after June 15, 2020.

  ---

  For Anthem Medicare Preferred Plan (Medicare Advantage),
  ​Kaiser Permanente, Health Net and Oxford Health Plan Enrollees:

  For Participants enrolled in the Anthem Medicare Preferred Plan, Kaiser Permanente, Health Net and the Oxford Health Plans, the test for the COVID-19 virus and the associated visit for this test, when the test is ordered by an in-network medical provider and performed at an in-network facility, will be covered without the Participant incurring out-of-pocket costs (no co-payment and/or coinsurance) for a period of time as determined by those health plans and in compliance with state mandates.

  ---

  What Should I Do If I Feel Sick?

  Participants should seek medical care if they develop symptoms (e.g., fever, cough or shortness of breath) of the COVID-19 virus, especially if they have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19. While sick, avoid contact with people, stay home, and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.  

  In addition, Participants are reminded of theirtelemedicine benefit. This benefit allows someone to visit with a physician by phone or to engage in online video communication using a computer, smartphone or tablet. It should not be used if emergency help is needed (e.g., for severe respiratory distress, severe weakness, loss of consciousness or chest pain).​​

  For the latest guidelines and recommendations, please visit the Centers for Disease Control website for more information. 

• IATSE Corona Virus Update: Feb. 28

  Sisters, Brothers, Kin— As news coverage of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues, we want to update you with guidance and reassurance. While there is a potential public health threat posed by COVID-19, right now per the CDC, for the general American public, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. As this is a dynamic and evolving situation, we are closely following the most up-to-date guidance and information as provided by the Centers for Disease Control. In addition, we are in constant contact with our health plans and local health care centers to ensure the health and safety of our community. We will continue to provide information on any new developments that would impact our community and actions that would need to be taken. We strongly encourage you to visit the CDC for information regarding the virus, situation updates, personal protective precautions and recommendations for community preparedness. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html Feel free to distribute as appropriate and necessary. In solidarity, IATSE Communications.

• IATSE Corona Virus Update: Mar. 11

  Sisters, Brothers, Kin— With regards to the COVID-19 virus, the safety and well-being of our members and their families is our number one priority. The International’s Disaster Response Committee is closely following the most up-to-date guidance and information as provided by the Center for Disease Control, The Public Health Agency of Canada, and the World Health Organization, and will continue to relay that information to Local Officers and members. Additionally, we are in constant contact with our health plans and local health care centers to ensure the health and safety of our communities. We are working with employers across all sectors of the Entertainment Industry on policies that will help prevent infections in our workplaces. With the variety of crafts we represent and the unique challenges that come with each in this situation, we are collaborating with our Local Unions to produce and distribute craft-specific workplace guidelines. If members have any specific workplace health safety concerns, please report it via our Safety Info App (iOS, Play Store), or by talking to your Local Union. In addition to the obvious health concerns posed by the virus itself, fears of the virus are also wreaking havoc on the economy, and specifically the Entertainment Industry. The honest truth is that many IATSE jobs are at risk as more events and projects are cancelled. We are actively investigating all possible courses of action that can help ensure the financial stability of members who lose work as a result of the COVID-19 virus. We are also reviewing all of our contracts for any pertinent provisions (i.e. Force Maejure). Finally, we have created a Coronavirus Update Portal on our website. We will continue to publish helpful resources and developments about the COVID-19 virus there. In solidarity, IATSE Communications

• IATSE Local 44 Medical Drive

  

  Schedule An Appointment

• IATSE PRESIDENT CALLS ON CONGRESS TO PASS RELIEF PACKAGE THAT INCLUDES DISPLACED ENTERTAINMENT WORKERS

  Friday, March 13, 2020 NEW YORK, NY – Matthew D. Loeb, International President of the IATSE, released the following statement with regards to the coronavirus virus: “As social distancing measures are enacted and events and projects across all sectors of the entertainment industry are cancelled, it’s become clear that the COVID-19 crisis requires decisive action from our Federal Government to support displaced entertainment workers.” “Right now, thousands of our members across all sectors of the entertainment industry are suffering financial hardship because of government mandated cancellations. Entertainment workers shouldn’t be collateral damage in the fight against the COVID-19 virus.” “But this isn’t just about us. Economic studies demonstrate that entertainment spending reverberates throughout our communities nationwide. Film and Television Production alone injects $49 Billion into local businesses per year, and the overall entertainment industry supports 2.1 Million jobs in municipal and state economies.” “Along with the other entertainment unions and the labor movement at large, we call on the Federal government to pass a relief package that prioritizes workers whose incomes have been lost as a result of this crisis. Strong measures like ensuring continuity of health benefits, providing enhanced and extended unemployment, disability, and workers compensation insurance are necessary for ensuring the financial stability of entertainment workers and their families. Additionally, the government should enact a special emergency paid leave benefit geared to include our members.” “It is vital that these measures are enacted as soon as possible to provide effective emergency relief for workers who have felt the economic consequences of the Coronavirus the hardest.”

• IATSE: Help Us Amplify Your COVID Perspective

  Dear Local Officers,

  As we continue to navigate during the COVID-19 crisis together, it is important we communicate our personal experiences and the harmful impact of COVID-19 on entertainment industry workers. Therefore, we have created "Your Story, Our Story" campaign.

• Joint Union Press Release Covid Protocols 3.30.23 1

  Joint Union Press Release Covid Protocols 3.30.23

• L.A. County Protocol for Music, TV, and Film Production: Appendix J

  January 22, 2021

  The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health has recently updated the Protocol for Music, Television and film Production: Appendix J.

  Click here to view the January 22, 2021 updated version.

• Link To LA County Services

  Dear Sisters, Brothers and Kin,

  We are providing the helpful link below to multiple Los Angeles County resources that we hope can be beneficial to you and/or someone you may know. This is a crowd-sourced guide of information regarding government benefits, worker/housing/low-income resources, entertainment, best practices, food, education etc. Stay healthy and safe everyone.

  Link here: https://about.1degree.org/covid-19-la-en

• Local 44 Supplemental Safety Protocols by Craft

  Local 44 has revised the supplemental craft specific safety guidelines to reflect the changes of the Return To Work Agreement of 9/21/20. Below you can find the craft specific guidelines for your review and use when needed. These craft specific safety guidelines are a supplement to the return to work protocols that were negotiated by the Labor Management Task Force. If you have any questions please contact the Local 44 Business Agent’s Department.

  • Local_44_Commercial_Set_Dec_Protocols.pdf
  • Local_44_Commerical_Property_Department_Protocols.pdf
  • Local_44_Construction_Dept._COVID-19_RTW_Guidelines.pdf
  • Local_44_Property_Department_Food_Handling_COVID-19_RTW_Guidelines.pdf
  • Local_44_Property_Dept._COVID-19_RTW_Guidelines.pdf
  • Local_44_Set_Decoration_Dept._COVID-19_RTW_Guidelines.pdf
  • Local_44_Special_Effects_Dept._COVID-19_RTW_Guidelines.pdf
• MPI Benefit Changes Update

  Dear Brothers and Sisters, We have all been anxiously awaiting information about how the Coronavirus shutdowns will affect our MPI plan coverage for us and our families. We have received SOME of the answers to the questions we all have been asking. After a Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plan (MPI) Board of Directors meeting, there was unanimous approval for the following:

• MPI Briefing for IAP Hardship Withdrawal

  The following slides were provided by MPI for members considering an IAP Hardship Withdrawal. The downloadable pdf file is available here.

  .

  .

  .

  .

  .

  .

  .

  .

  .

  .

  .

• MPI Extends Health Coverage

  Dear Brothers and Sisters, We are pleased to report that the MPIPHP Board of Directors (BoD) have voted in favor of the proposal to extend eligibility for Active Participants in the Motion Picture Industry Health Plan (MPIHP) (excluding those on COBRA and those enrolled as Disabled) who are currently enrolled and whose Benefit Period ends on June 30, 2020 (this is the qualifying period that ends on April 25th), the MPIHP will provide a credit of up to 300 hours to continue their eligibility in the MPIHP for the Benefit Period of July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.

• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Application Guide

  April 28, 2020

  Dear Brothers and Sisters,

  Today, California's Employment Development Department (EDD) began accepting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) applications. The California IATSE Council (CIC), in cooperation with Local 724, Teamster’s Local 399, SAG-AFTRA, and the DGA have created a PowerPoint Presentation on how to access this assistance. This 7-page presentation will walk you through the process of applying for PUA. I know some of the text is initially small, so you will need to use your system's zoom/enlargement features for the slides below.
  Please take a moment to review this material.

  I hope you are all staying safe and healthy.
  Best,

  Anthony Pawluc
  Secretary-Treasurer

  ---

  

  ---

  

  ---

  

  ---

  

  ---

  

  ---

  

  ---

  

  ---

• RTW Agreement Update and Summary

  August 9, 2021

  The joint Unions (IATSE, DGA, SAG-AFTRA and the Teamsters and Basic Crafts), have reached agreement with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP) on an updated Return to Work Agreement (“Agreement”). The summary below highlights some of the more significant changes to our COVID-related safety protocols. A copy of the full Agreement is also available by clicking on the link below. Negotiations for the new Agreement began in June. As the negotiations progressed, COVID-19 infection numbers began growing in many parts of the country. Our new agreement reflects these increases, largely keeping intact the core safety protocols, with a few important updates that we describe below. The new Agreement does allow for the relaxation of certain protocols for fully vaccinated employees in areas in the United States and Canada with low infection rates. While we had hoped to further reduce many of the protocols, the growing infection rates simply did not allow us to do so at this time. As we have from the start, we continued to rely on the science with the goal of allowing production to continue while reducing the risk of Covid-19 transmission on set.

  Summary of September 30 COVID Protocols PDF

  Full Return to Work Agreement PDF

• Schiff Letter to House Leadership

  On Monday, March 16, U.S. House Representative Adam Schiff sent the below letter to House leadership requesting considerations for workers in the Entertainment Industry. 

  

  

• Union Hall Operations

  Dear Sisters and Brothers,

  As many of you have heard, Governor Newsome and Mayor Garcetti have ordered “safer at home emergency order” to slow the spread of the Coronavirus.  My office had already been planning and in contact with our tech-support and communication vendors working on secure remote access methods for all Local 44 staff to continue supporting member needs.

  Anticipating a complete Nation and Statewide facility shut down of “non-essential businesses,” our Business Agent, Tobey Bays, and I, with a skeleton crew, are continuing preparations for offsite access so our respective staffs can work safely and remotely while continuing to assist our membership the best we can.

  Going forward, the best way to contact your Union will be via email.  You can reach the following departments at:

  businessagents@local44.org – Business Agent Department
  businessoffice@local44.org – Business Office and Social Services Departments
  callboard@local44.org – Callboard Department
  socialservices@local44.org – Social Services and Business Office Departments
  webmaster@local44.org – Web and IT Department

  PLEASE be patient with response times.  There has been an enormous increase of inbound member inquires since this (truly) began last week and your Local 44 staff have done an AMAZING job helping our membership.  Please continue to monitor your emails, text messages and our website at local44.org  During this unprecedented time, your Officers and Staff will do everything in our power with the tools available to represent and help our membership during this national crisis.

  It is time to hunker down and do your best to protect yourselves, family and friends.  As part of working in our industry, we are used to achieving the impossible by working together. This obstacle will be no different, we WILL succeed and we WILL get through this together.

  On behalf of our Executive Board, Officers, Staff and Stewards, stay safe and healthy.

  Best,

  Anthony Pawluc
  Secretary-Treasurer
  IATSE Local 44

• You Are Not Alone
  
  

  We are here for you, even as COVID-19 deepens its effect upon our lives.

  We are here for you. As COVID-19 deepens its effect upon our lives, we are working hard to keep the most difficult parts less difficult. We are currently fighting aggressively against our first positive tests on campus by increasing safeguards and utilizing the isolation unit we’ve been readying for weeks. For now, we have to consider what only weeks ago felt unimaginable. You’re not alone. We’ll fight this one together. Login Home Search IATSE Important Information Hire Union IATSE Signators Member Resumes