COVID-19: Important Reminders, Updates and Week In Review

(04.04.2020)

 

It is hard to believe we have completed another week practicing the mandatory ‘Safer at Home‘ measures implemented by our City and State. I hope this email finds you and your family healthy and safe during this time. This week, the Business Agents, Staff and myself have been touching base with many of you that took the time to complete our “Get Help” Survey and left important feedback or questions. In speaking to some of you, I know you feel anxious and frustrated, yet are trying to make the best of an extremely difficult situation. Anxious about the ability to provide for your family as this situation continues, and frustrated that at the end of the day, many of you just want to get back to work. We hear you and we understand. I can’t say this enough, but we are in this together. Please make us your first call if you are in need of immediate assistance. I know we have put out a lot of information, and it can be overwhelming at times, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can help assess your situation and connect you to any available resources or answer any immediate questions. We work for you, and we are working around the clock to ensure that when we say we are in this together, you truly feel supported.

Below is a recap of this weeks efforts in case you missed anything, as well as a reminder of important ongoing resources and information.

EDD WEBINAR:

The Los Angeles Federation of Labor in conjunction with our Entertainment Union Coalition will be hosting a webinar with the EDD on Thursday, April 9th from 10AM- 12PM highlighting the unique needs and questions of Entertainment Industry Workers. Space is limited.

If you have yet to register, please click here or on the image below.

Many Members have reached out with great questions surrounding the newly passed ‘CARES’ Act. One point to note regarding the legislation is that it adds an additional $600 per week to the amount of Unemployment Insurance each recipient would ordinarily receive. In California, the maximum weekly amount a person may receive from the Unemployment Insurance program is $450 per week. The amount a person receives under California’s program is based on the individual’s recent earnings before the claim for Unemployment Insurance was filed. At this time, we do not know when this added $600 benefit will begin, however as soon as the information is available we will share with the Membership.

The AFL-CIO also shared some graphics to help explain the recently passed ‘CARES’ Act.
If you have questions, please email office@ht399.org and you will be directed to a Business Agent.

LOS ANGELES FEDERATION OF LABOR VOLUNTEER CORPS:

We are proud to say we had over 100 Members sign up on our ‘Give Back’ Survey. We want to commend those Members that are still seeking out opportunities to serve in this difficult time. At this time, we have partnered with the Los Angeles Federation of Labor who is building their own LA Labor COVID-19 Volunteer Corps. The LA Federation of Labor is organizing weekly opportunities to give back to the community through Food Distribution events and is also in direct contact with the Mayor’s Office. As this situation continues, they will be sharing volunteer opportunities to serve the community as they arise. We feel it’s best to connect Local 399 Members directly to the Federations’s efforts as they are recruiting a volunteer force of specialized and highly skilled Union workers. If you choose to volunteer, please make sure to practice social distancing and follow all CDC guidelines to protect yourself from the virus.
 

Click here if you would like to sign up to be on the email list for the LA Labor COVID-19 Volunteer Corps.

LOCAL 399 DRIVERS FMCSA INFORMATION:

Local 399 Drivers, please take some time to review the recently shared FMCSA information that has been put out to address the COVID-19 situation. Should you have ANY questions about this information, please contact Business Agent Chris Sell at: csell@ht399.org.

 

CSATF CLASS REMINDER:

CSATF Online Classes: You are still responsible for the training deadlines of any online safety classes. If you are not sure if you have required online classes, check the CSATF Website: www.csatf.org.

CSATF Classroom Courses: CSATTF classroom courses are suspended until further notice as CSATF closed their offices to the public effective Saturday, March 14th.

Local 399 Provided Skills Training ‘Voluntary Training’:
Many Drivers have reached out with interest in using this time to complete voluntary skills training. GSF Trucking School is still operating and accepting applications. GSF provides skills training for: Refresher and Passenger Endorsement training if you already have your passenger permit. Email Business Agent Chris Sell for more information: csell@ht399.org.

 

AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIPS:

If you have a graduating High School Senior, please take a look at our website’s Scholarship page to take advantage of the many great scholarships available to your children.
 

OFFICIAL CITY ORDINANCE:

Stay safe out their Brothers and Sisters! An Official City Ordinance was put out this week indicating that Angelenos should wear non-medical coverings when out in public.

“Early data suggests many who are infected with COVID-19 are not symptomatic, which is why we the City is recommending you use cloth face coverings as well as physical distancing for essential activities. Face coverings can be made using a scarf or extra cloth, and should be used in addition to physical distancing. Medical-grade and N95 masks are reserved for medical workers and first responders.”

 

 

2020 CENSUS:

Make sure you and your family COUNT! The Census is Safe, Easy and Important.
2020 Census is easier to complete than EVER. You can now respond by:

In light of the situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, the Census Bureau has made some operational changes extending the term of the Census by several weeks. On March 20, the bureau announced it is extending the end of counting for the census from July 31 to August 14.

IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL RELIEF:

If you and your family are in need of immediate financial assistance, don’t wait. Call the Motion Television Fund or the Actors Fund Today.

We are grateful to The Academy that just contributed $4 Million Dollars to support The Motion Picture Television Fund and The Actors Fund. We are proud of Academy President and Teamsters Local 399 Casting Director David Rubin, for his leadership and support in this time of great need. “The Academy has a long history of supporting our colleagues, particularly during the most dire circumstances. As we face a pandemic, it’s incumbent upon us to help those in the motion picture community who are suffering. The shutting down of productions, businesses and theaters has had devastating consequences. By contributing financially to The Actors Fund, MPTF, and the Academy Foundation’s wonderful grants program, we can help provide our extended family with desperately needed assistance.” – David Rubin

 

MOTION PICTURE TELEVISION FUND:
MPTF Intake Line: 323-634-3888
Call today. You will be assigned a MPTF case manager to walk through your specific and immediate needs. MPTF has been serving workers in the Motion Picture Industry since 1921. Take time to reach out if you need immediate financial help.

 

THE ACTORS FUND:

Call the Actors Fund Today: 888.825.0911
Learn more about the services and programs here: actorsfund.org/am-i-eligible-help


 

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.

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Thank you for your support over the past several weeks. At this time, the entire Local 399 staff is still available by phone or email during regular business hours. Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be sharing more about our plans for the month of April next week. Stay tuned and please, stay safe out there. We need our hardworking Members in good health when it is safe enough to return to the work we love.