TEAMSTERS LOCAL 399: Important Reminders, Updates and Week In Review
As we see our Industry reopen and get busier, I want to stress the importance of a continued commitment to safety-both in and out of the workplace. Our Business Agents are available around the clock to address any issues or concerns you have regarding ‘Return to Work’ protocols and procedures. We simply can’t get complacent about health and safety.We have heard from many of our Members working in commercials expressing concerns about safety protocols. We are doing everything within our power to ensure that our Members in the commercial world are afforded similar protections. We are in continuing discussions with the AICP, in solidarity with our sister Guilds and Unions, to standardize health and safety protocols in the commercial world. If you have any issues on the job, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Business Agent, Calvin McDowell.
Please spend some time reviewing the information below to stay as up to date as possible with important reminders and announcements. Lastly, please save the date for our last virtual General Membership Meeting of the year on Sunday, October 25th at 9AM via Zoom. We will be sending out a registration for the event this coming week.
In case you missed anything, please find a recap of this week’s efforts, as well as a reminder of important ongoing resources and information.
UNION MEMO – CALL BOARD AVAILABILITY AND TESTING IN TELEVISION AND FEATURES:
Returning to work in the COVID era is presenting unique challenges to all Drivers looking for work and for the Coordinators, Captains, and Dispatchers that are trying to hire them. The need for pre-employment COVID testing is adding an additional layer to the hiring process. These tests are inherently adding more time and effort for all, and raise many questions regarding how this process should be working during this unforeseen time.
It is important to remember that while we are all trying to smooth the process out, we must maintain our contract, seniority and grouping.
To be clear, you must hire within grouping at all times.
ABRI DENTAL OFFER TO UNION MEMBERS:
Due to the pandemic, Abri Dental would like to offer all Union Members and their families a great way to save money.
- No out-of-pocket cost for Union dental plans.*
- 0% Financing available for those who qualify*
- Any treatment cost exceeding the scheduled dental plan limit will be offered to you at a discounted rate.
** Some speciality work may have out of pocket cost. Some are excluded. You will be notified prior to treatment.
Learn more about Abri Dental at: www.abridental.com.
MPI UPDATE:
The MPI Board of Directors have made additional changes to help participants and their families. As the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) news changes rapidly, the MPI Board of Directors have been meeting regularly to continually assess how best to support Participants during this time.
Please click here for the full MPI Update regarding:
TEAMSTERS VOTE | WORKERS WIN:
There is a lot on the line this November. We must ensure working people, not the corporate elite, win this election cycle. When working people stand together & fight — we win. We know our Members will come to their own conclusions about what is best for themselves and their families in every election cycle, however for our Union family there are many important fights to protect our democracy, our movement and all workers across all industries throughout our Country.
Below is a link to a list of Candidates that have been endorsed by our Teamsters Joint Council 42 Political Directors, including our own Ed Duffy. These candidates and decisions on local measures and state propositions are selected after extensive interviews have been conducted with potential candidates and coalitions seeking a Teamster and Labor Endorsement. Each Local in our Joint Council selects a representative to attend candidate interviews and together the group asks questions on behalf of their individual Locals, as well as the Labor Movement at-large. Together, they determine who they believe will serve the best interests of working people and working families. We certainly aren’t telling you how to vote, but we are encouraging you to take a look at who is being endorsed by our Joint Council this November.
VIEW JOINT COUNCIL 42 LABOR 2020 ENDORSEMENTS
CSATF COVID-19 CLASS:
CSATF has recently released the online C19 COVID-19 Prevention Training Course that is required for those on the Industry Experience Roster as well as those on the Online Roster. You should receive a notice directly from CSATF regarding this online class or you can check their website.
Sign in to your CSATF Portal Account to take the course and for more information.
QUARTERLY DUES REMINDER:
October 1st was the beginning of the 4th Quarter of the year in order to pay Union Dues. If you are on an Active status and/or working, please make a payment prior to the last day of October in order to avoid late fees.• If you put yourself on a Withdrawal status earlier this year, you will not need to pay until you put your status back to ACTIVE when returning to work. Please note, even if you work just one day in a month, you are responsible for dues.
Click here to read the updated Local 399 Emergency COVID-19 Dues Policy.
Click here to make a dues payment.
LOCAL 399 EMERGENCY RECOVERY FUND:
MPTF has added our Local 399 Emergency Recovery Fund to their website. This fund was approved by the Membership to support Local 399 Members that have found themselves in extreme financial hardship due to the COVID-19 situation. If you are interested in applying, please contact their intake line at: 323-634-3888.
Click here to read ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ Section
A couple notes to mention:
• Due to the high volume of calls, the intake line provides a window of 5-7 days to return your call to begin your case.
• The Motion Picture and Television Fund is a non-profit organization that is working around the clock to support Entertainment Industry Workers in need. We know this is an extremely difficult and challenging time, however, we ask that you treat MPTF case workers with the utmost respect and gratitude for their time and service they give to support those Members devastated by this pandemic.
• To Apply, call the MPTF INTAKE LINE: 323-634-3888
If there are any questions we can answer surrounding the fund,
please do not hesitate to reach out.
OPTUM & KAISER CRISIS HOTLINES:
Your well-being matters MOST. As this difficult situation continues and no matter how isolated you may feel, you do not need to face these challenges alone. There is hope. Powerful health resources and personalized support services are available right now. Live and Work Well is here to help you and those you care about find the balance, support and care you need to live the healthiest life possible.
OPTUM CRISIS HOTLINE: 1-800-273-8255
KAISER EMOTIONAL SUPPORT HOTLINE: (800) 900-3277
If an emergency, or you think you may harm yourself, please call 911.
CONNECT WITH TEAMSTERS LOCAL 399:
Get connected with Teamsters Local 399 on our official social media pages.
You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. An engaged and educated Membership is a strong Membership. Don’t just belong to your Union, be an Active Member.
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Please let us know if there is anything more we can be doing to support you and your family at this time.
