In light of the State of Emergency declared by Governor Gavin Newsom we want to provide ongoing updates to the Membership regarding COVID-19. As you know, this is an ever changing situation and we are monitoring it closely as it pertains to our industry and more importantly to our Members. Our goal is to equip our Members with important information, resources and updates that pertain to our Industry and your well-being. 

We will be updating this page on an ongoing basis as more information and resources are provided to us by Studios and/or Companies. We encourage you to monitor this page on a regular basis for new information. (This information can also be found in your Local 399 App.)

As the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported, while they are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes)  appear to develop serious illness more often than others. Protecting against any illness and limiting it’s reach is essential to protect no only yourself but also your Union Brothers and Sisters, family Members, friends, loved ones and your greater community that may be more at-risk than others. As Members of a Union, we know what solidarity and fighting for working people is all about. As this situation continues, and as more industries and workers are affected, We urge our Members to be mindful of the hardworking Union and non-Union workers on the front lines serving our Community and ensuring its safety and preparedness in this difficult time. We are all in this together. 

Business Agents are in touch with their Labor Relation contacts and are working to contact each Production for updates. 

If you are out of work and NOT being paid, the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) is trying to make it easier to spread information through a centralized source. Generally, there is a one-week waiting period for individuals obtaining UI. Governor’s Emergency Proclamations waived the one-week waiting period for people who are unemployed and/or disabled as a result of COVID-19. Click here to use the guidance on the LWDA website to determine what is best for you and your family.

We encourage Members to reach out to your Business Agent or Shop Steward with any and all questions or concerns. All Business Agent and Shop Steward Contact information can be found in the Local 399 App or you can reach out to the Union Hall directly: 818-985-7374.

 

Teamsters Local 399 Members: How Can We Support You?

If you need Help – Ask.

If you can Help – Give.

(Take a Short Survey)

(Published on: March 25, 2020)

As the COVID-19 situation continues, we are constantly working to take the best steps forward while always diligently preparing for the worst. It can be intimidating to read through articles making projections on the impact this virus will have on our City, our State, our Nation and our World. We know that one of the most challenging concerns facing our Members today is the loss of work. We understand that the stress of this situation is causing growing economic pain and hardship for many of our hard working Members. I want to encourage and remind each and every one of you that we are in this together. If we stand and fight this together, we will win together, and I truly believe we will come out stronger on the other side.

We want to thank our Members that have reached out to us over the past week. Many of you have voiced concerns, asked questions and shared some incredible ideas as to how our Members might be able to give back and support the efforts to protect our Communities. We know that every single one of our Members are uniquely impacted by this situation. Some of you have voiced concerns over your ability to provide for your family if this situation spans over several weeks, whereas others have been seeking out any opportunities to volunteer and give back. We want you to know that we are here to meet you wherever you’re at during this uncertain time.

In order to help us best assess what our Members needs are, and to ensure we are supporting all during this time, we wanted to make it as simple as possible. We created two short surveys to address those that are in need of extra assistance and/or those that are able to give back.

If You Need Assistance – Ask.
There is NO shame in asking for help.

Let us support you or help connect you to existing resources during this time. Click here or on the graphic below to let us know if you need assistance.

If You Can Help – GIVE.
We are in touch with City Officials and Charitable Organizations in an effort to stand ready at a moment’s notice. We want to identify who are in a place to give back to our community during this time. We shoot all over this city, let’s give back to the communities that support our livelihoods.

Click here or on the graphic below to let us know if you are in a place to give back.

Please take a moment to complete one of the short surveys above. Your responses will help us make decisions that will impact our Membership.Your input and guidance is extremely important. If you have a specific concern or immediate need, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Business Agent.

We work to support you in the best of times and the worst of times. Please make us your first call and stay safe.

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Union Hall Update: March 18th 

As the COVID-19 situation develops, we at the Union Hall are doing everything within our power to support you. Thank you to all that have reached out with questions and concerns thus far. We hear you, and I want to assure you that we are committed to fight for you and your family. We are in this together. As Teamsters, we know what it means to stand up for one another and use our Solidarity and collective power to shape a STRONG future. We are prepared to do that right now, and every day moving forward during this uncertain situation. We ask that you stand ready in this fight as we work to gather all of the necessary information and resources for our Members.

Many of you have voiced concerns over whether or not you will be responsible to pay your 2nd Quarter Dues (April, May & June). The Local 399 Executive Board and myself understand your concerns and we want to make it as easy as possible to alleviate any financial hardship at this time. Please see the approved COVID-19 Emergency Dues Policy adopted by our Local 399 Executive Board on March 17th, 2020 to offer extra support through our already existing Withdrawal Policy:

SAVE MONEY & TAKE A WITHDRAWAL CARD:

  • Any Member who is unemployed and wishes to save money and take an “Honorary Withdrawal Card” from Teamsters Local 399 may do so.
  • In order to streamline this process, simply click here or on the button below to complete this online form that will be sent directly to the Front Office. In light of the influx of Withdrawal Requests, please allow up to 10 Business Days for the Front Office to process your request (You will not be responsible for dues at this time, this simply allows for them to manage the influx of requests). They will provide email confirmation when your Withdrawal Request has been approved.

Some Important Points to Note:

  • This will NOT affect your unemployment benefits from the State of California.
  • During this Emergency period, the Local 399 Executive Board is allowing Members to stay on an ‘Available’ Status with the Call Board despite being on an “Honorary Withdrawal”.
  • To obtain a “Honorary Withdrawal” Card, Members must have their 1st Quarter Dues paid for: January, February and March 2020.
  • Dues for the months a Member is on an “Honorary Withdrawal” Status will NOT be owed upon returning to work. However, if a Member is taking a job, and works even just one day in a Month, that Member will be responsible to pay dues for that Month.

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LATE ON YOUR 1ST QUARTER (JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH) DUES?

  • Any Member as of March 1st, 2020 that that still owes dues for the 1st Quarter: January, February & March should also fill out our online Withdrawal Form.
  • For those that cannot pay at this time, you will be put on a “HOLD” Status, and will NOT be suspended at the end of the month if your cannot bring your dues to current.
  • When these Members return to work, you will still be responsible to pay their back Dues and late fees, however they will NOT have to pay for the months in which they were laid off and they will NOT have to pay a re-initiation fee.

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MAKING PAYMENTS ON YOUR INITIATION?

  • For any Member that is currently making payments on their initiation, we are deferring payments to be made on your initiation for up to 3 months or until you begin working again. Please email the Front Office: office@ht399.org to indicate if you wish to defer payments and they will be in touch with you to discuss the details of your updated payment plan.

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CURRENTLY WORKING OR WISH TO CONTINUE PAYING DUES?

  • If a Member is currently Employed or currently being paid by an Employer, at this time they will be responsible for paying dues and cannot go on Withdrawal.
  • Any Member who wishes to remain a Member in “good-standing” must continue to pay their dues as per the Local 399 By-Laws.

I also want to make it clear that during this time, all Local 399 Executive Board, Staff and Shop Stewards will be expected to pay their dues. We are all working around the clock to support our Members so please make us your first call if you have a question. We are in this with you and we are here to help.

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UNION HALL UPDATE: (March 16th, 2020)

Out of an abundance of caution, and to limit contact with individuals, and practice ’social distancing’, we will be temporarily closing the Union Hall Office as of the of end of business Monday, March 16th. We will let the Membership know when the Union Hall is back in operation. Though the Union Hall will be closed to Members, we will all still be available via phone or email, working to assist Members with questions, paying dues, managing Call Board availability, etc.

You can find all Contact Information for our Business Agents by clicking here, on the button below, or in your Local 399 App.

Please have patience with us at this time as we work to structure a remote working schedule while still being able to assist Members around the clock. 

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Teamsters Local 399 will be following the guidelines set forth on a State and Local level surrounding non-essential mass gatherings, events and meetings by canceling/postponing all Union related events for the next month (until April 13th). We will be notifying Members collectively, as well as reaching out to individuals that have already committed to these events to provide further information: 

CANCELLED & POSTPONED EVENTS:

  • DOT/Hours of Service Class (03/15)
  • Location Workshop: Finance & Accounting Class (03/21)
  • Get Your Health in Gear Class (03/28)
  • Cook Helper & Cook Helper-Driver Orientation (03/29)
  • Location Workshop: Lightroom Part 1 (04/04)
  • 29th Annual Ralph Clare Golf Tournament (04/10) – Members that have already paid will be fully refunded. 
  • Drivers Steering Committee

We share updates here if more events & meetings are postponed or cancelled as time goes on.  

TAKE ACTION: HEALTHYLA COALITION (CLICK TO SIGN)

In conjunction with the LA Federation of Labor, Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy and 150 Labor Unions, Organizations, Worker Centers, Service Providers, Religious Congregations, Community Groups we stand with the HealthyLA Coalition and their demands for our City in response to the COVD-19 Outbreak to push for policies to protect residents in crisis during this time.

City Council has already taken some positive steps to address our demands, but it’s crucial that their next actions be bold, decisive, and for the good of our most vulnerable friends and neighbors.

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TAKE ACTION: SIGN THE PETITION (CLICK TO SIGN) 

Tell Congress to include displaced entertainment workers in relief package. 

“Entertainment workers shouldn’t be collateral damage in the fight against COVID-19. We need a special Emergency Coronavirus Economic Support Benefit geared to include workers who have a bona fide, good faith offer to work that gets canceled due to the coronavirus.” Via IATSE

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MPTF RESOURCES: 

MPTF sees the need to support those members of our industry workforce who are undergoing hardship due to COVID-19 related issues: productions getting shut down or pushed back, staffs being trimmed as companies anticipate financial downturns from our “new abnormal.” We have been at this place before during the 2007-2008 work stoppage and supported 630 industry members with financial assistance and case management in a challenging time. Thanks to the generosity of our community, MPTF is still here for you today.

Our intake line is 323-634-3888. If you or an industry friend need our help, please give us a chance to listen to your story and determine how and where we can make life better for you. As we say about MPTF, we’re taking care of our own. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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CSATF UPDATE (03/16):

CSATF will be suspending all in-person training and lobby visitations to their facilities during this time. Their offices will be closed to the public however, certain CSATF staff will still be working to keep their critical services running. Members should still be able to meet training deadlines if the training is hosted online. For those with upcoming in-person training deadlines, check the CSATF website for updates on training extensions and call before you attend a class that has most likely been postponed. We are working closely with CSATF to ensure our Members are protected and kept updated during this time. 

Click here or on the button below for more information from CSATF.

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MPI COVERAGE (03/16):

For those of you covered under the MPI Plan, we are aware that many of you may be concerned about loss of health coverage during this time. If you are being paid, employers will be expected to contribute your hours into the Plans. I want to assure those of you who might lose benefit coverage that we are looking into all options to keep our Members from losing their insurance coverage. Our primary concern is to ensure you are covered during this time. We will be providing more updates as they are available. 

I want to remind you that many of you should have a bank of hours available that will keep you covered.

You can always check your reported hours here.

You can also view the information MPI has put out regarding the Coronavirus Pandemic here.

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

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STUDIOS & PRODUCTION UPDATE: (March 16th, 2020)

If a production is taking a hiatus and IS PAYING our covered classifications (i.e. Drivers, Locations, Casting, etc.) during that time, then those classifications are considered to be on payroll and working. If production is paying you to stay home, do not register as out of work, and do not file for unemployment. 

A production taking a hiatus, and who is NOT PAYING our covered classifications, may have to lay off all classifications covered under our agreements. If you are being laid off and not being paid, we encourage you to register with the Call Board and file for unemployment insurance (UI) through the State immediately.

As part of the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation, the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) has waived the one-week waiting period for people who are unemployed and/or disabled as a result of COVID-19. Click here or on the button below to use the guidance on the LWDA website to determine what is best for you and your family.

If you are a Member working in Commercials, you can find updates from the AICP regarding Production and the Coronavirus here.

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CSATF: COVID-19 Precautions (Click for link):

“Effective tomorrow (03/14), Contract Services will be closed to visitors and the public.  This means we will not be conducting on site, in-person training or receiving visitors to our lobby.” We are expecting more information from Contract Services soon.

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UCLAHealth Coronavirus Update / Resources (Click for link): 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and LA County Department of Public Health are tracking the outbreak of a newly identified respiratory virus – COVID-19, or novel coronavirus – and working with public health experts and health care providers to help contain its spread. UCLA Health infectious disease specialists are assisting with this effort and are in regular contact with local and state public health officials and the CDC.

This is a new strain of coronavirus and vigilance with precautions, testing and diagnosis is important to containing its spread. UCLA Health’s overriding objective at all times is to ensure the safety of patients and employees while maintaining high-quality clinical care at our hospitals and clinics.

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FYI MPI Coronavirus Update (Click for Link): 

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 indicated on MPI website. Click here for full details. 

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Universal Studios Tours Members:

Published On: March 12, 2020

“We have several important updates regarding measures we are taking to keep our USH community healthy and safe amid the spread of COVID-19. In response to guidance from the California Department of Public Health and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily close our Park beginning Saturday, March 14.

We anticipate remaining closed for two weeks, reopening Saturday, March 28.

During this time, a core group of Team Members will continue to work on-site to manage business operations. Hourly Team Members will be paid for their posted shifts during this two-week closure. Please follow the direction of your management team on whether to report to work.

The health and safety of our Team Members and Guests will always be our top priority. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as we receive new information.”

If you are a Universal Studios Tours Member and have any other questions, please contact your HR Partner or call Team Member Central at 818-622-9675 or Contact your Business Agent Ernie Barraza: 818-432-3318

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FilmLA COVID-19 (Click for link):

By order of local authorities, a variety of temporary limitations and restrictions on film production activity are now in effect in parts of Los Angeles. These measures are described on the FilmLA Website. 

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Coronavirus Cancellations:

Film, TV Show, and Event Affected by the Outbreak SOURCE: Indiewire 

City of Los Angeles Updates: Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Office

Click here for Daily updates from the Mayor’s Office regarding new city ordinances and new resources made available for the Community.  

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California Department of Public Health (Click for link):  

California is actively working with the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local governments, health facilities, and health care providers across the state to prepare and protect Californians from COVID-19. CDPH is issuing daily updates on COVID-19. Click here to review the most recent information. 

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Labor & Workplace Development Agency (Click for link): Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Resources for Employers and Workers

In the face of the coronavirus, the Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) wants to keep workers, employers, co-workers, and families safe. What employees are entitled to may be confusing. We are trying to make it easier and spread awareness through this centralized source of info.

If you are out of work and NOT being paid, the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) is trying to make it easier to spread information through a centralized source. Generally, there is a one-week waiting period for individuals obtaining UI. Governor’s Emergency Proclamations waived the one-week waiting period for people who are unemployed and/or disabled as a result of COVID-19. Click here to use the guidance on the LWDA website to determine what is best for you and your family.

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Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (Click for link):

New Executive Order Further Enhancing State and Local Government’s Ability to Respond to COVID-19 Pandemic

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County of Los Angeles Public Health: Background information, Symptoms, Cases & Resources.

Important information and updates regarding Los Angeles County. Click here to view most recent information. 

World Health Organization Website: Click here to view most recent updates provided by WHO.

You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions: 

  • Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
    Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
  • Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. 
    Why?     When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
    Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
  • Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
    Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
  • Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
    Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
  • Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places  – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.
    Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.

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Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Website (Click for link):

CDC Responding to the novel Coronavirus Outbreak

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters: COVID19 Outbreak Resources (Click for link):

  • The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is closely monitoring the global health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Working with other unions, public health officials and other experts in our Safety and Health Department, the Teamsters Union is focused on providing our affiliate locals, 1.4 million members, and staff with the most up-to-date information and resources to help everyone in this difficult time.