TEAMSTERS LOCAL 399COVID-19: Important Reminders, Updates and Week In Review
I am grateful to have completed another week practicing our ‘Safer at Home” measures. With each week that passes, I am encouraged more and more that we WILL get through this time, and we WILL get back to the work we love. I want to thank those Members that continue to fill out our surveys. We have been continuing to follow up with Members that have left their name and contact information. It has been invaluable for us to check-in and hear what our Members’ biggest concerns are, as well as get some great feedback. Please use either of these surveys as a way to help us understand how to best support you and your family during this time. We have a lot to share in the weeks ahead.
I also want to take a moment to thank the staff of Local 399. They have been very busy not only navigating the COVID-19 situation, but also continuing with normal Union Business such as grievances, signing contracts, preparing for contract negotiations, development of new Staff policies and procedures for better workflow, as well as embarking on the implementation of a new software solution to better service the Membership. Please continue to stay connected with our Local 399 channels of communication. If you have any suggestions or questions, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Below is a recap of this week’s efforts in case you missed anything, as well as a reminder of important ongoing resources and information.
EDD WEBINAR:
I hope some of you were able to attend the EDD Webinar this past week that shared information specific to Entertainment Industry Workers. We want to thank the Entertainment Union Coalition, the Los Angeles Federation of Labor and the EDD for sharing some great information with us during this presentation.
We are happy to report, we received some more information regarding the ‘Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program’ that was discussed at great length during the EDD Webinar on Tuesday. The EDD PUA website page that further describes the PUA program is now live, however applications for this will not begin until April 28th. They are being very methodical about how they are setting up this program because once it is running on April 28, people should get their checks within 1-2 days of their application. Benefits can be retroactive to weeks starting on or after February 2, 2020, depending on your last day of work due to COVID-19 and regardless of when you submitted your claim application. You can learn more about this program and read some frequently asked questions here.
See graphic below to further understand who the PUA program includes.
Keep in mind, most of our Members will and should have already qualified for traditional UI Benefits, however for those that haven’t and fit into one of the categories below, this is extremely important. We will share another reminder as we get closer to April 28th.
Lastly, it was announced this week by Governor Gavin Newsom that they would have a new call center starting Monday that will operate 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. We know many Members have been frustrated trying to get through to EDD via phone so this should hopefully help.
MPI FAQs:
For Members under the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plan, we shared a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page to help Members better understand the changes to the Plans and additional emergency benefits that have put in place due to the COVID-19 situation. Click here or on the image below to learn more.
LOCAL 399 DIGITAL TOWNHALL:
Registration is now live for our first-ever Local 399 Digital Townhall.
MEETING DETAILS: This meeting is a chance for Local 399 Members to learn more about the ongoing efforts of Teamsters Local 399 during the COVID-19 crisis, the state of our Industry and a place for Members to hear more about available resources and have questions answered.
If you plan to attend, please register by Monday, April 27th.
Please do not share this information on social media as this meeting is intended for Local 399 Members only. If you did not get a link to register in your email, please email callboard@ht399.org or office@ht399.org.
TEAMSTER NATION PODCAST:
The Teamster Nation put out their 5th COVID-19 specific episode this week that features a short segment on the Motion Picture and Theatrical Division. Click on the image below to hear an update from Motion Picture Division Director and President of Teamsters Local 817 Thomas O’ Donnell.
UNION DUES:
We want to remind Members that dues for the 2nd Quarter are due before the end of April in order to avoid any late fees. For those Members that have made it a priority to continue to pay your dues during this crisis, we are grateful for your commitment and contribution to the Local. Click here if you want to make a dues payment online.
For those experiencing extreme financial hardship during this global pandemic, we completely understand. Please remember our Executive Board has put forth the COVID-19 Emergency Dues Policy for Members. If you need to take a ‘Withdrawal’ status in order to save money, please click here.
We encourage Members to make the decision to pay your dues, or take a ‘Withdrawal’ status before the last business day of April so that you avoid any late fees.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
I want to take a moment to thank those Members that have been showing up to volunteer at the Los Angeles Federation of Labor and Labor Community Services Food Distribution Events. We are encouraged by our Members willingness to show up for their community in a time of great need. Thank you for your representation of our Local to the greater Labor movement. If you would like to register to volunteer for these events or other opportunities put forth by the Los Angeles Federation of Labor, please click here.
MPTF, who has been helping out our Members and all Entertainment Industry Workers in this time of great need, could use your support! If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back, MPTF has some great volunteer opportunities from friendly check-in calls with our older industry members who are sheltering-in-place, to volunteers delivering pre-packed boxes of essential groceries to those in need. Click here to learn more and sign-up for one of these great opportunities.
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.
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:
Actors Fund Today: 888.825.0911.
Call today. The Actors Fund, established in 1882, is for all workers in the Entertainment Industry. Take time to reach out if you need immediate financial help or services.
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. Please let us know if there is anything more we can be doing to support you and your family at this time.
