TEAMSTERS LOCAL 399: COVID-19: Important Reminders, Updates and Week In Review
(06.14.2020)
This past week was a busy one with lots of movement from the Unions on the further development of Safety Guidelines. We will be holding a Digital Town Hall next week to address questions, concerns and provide a thorough update as to what has been taking place, as well as what Members can expect, from the weeks ahead.
As always if there is more we can do to support you or you family at this time, please do not hesitate to reach out. All Business Agents and Staff Members are continuing to work and are available during this time.
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.
INDUSTRY SAFETY GUIDELINES:
On Friday, two more Safety Guideline documents were released. The Directors Guild of America (DGA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) and the Basic Crafts, and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) released “The Safe Way Forward”, a Multi-Union Report on Covid-19 Safety Guidelines. The Guidelines set forth a detailed set of science-based protocols serving as a path for Employers to uphold their responsibility of providing safe workplaces in a pre-vaccine, Covid-19 world. The Guidelines serve as an essential and necessary element of a return to work for the Unions and Guilds representing film and television casts and crews.
This document is not a comprehensive document of all classifications and crew members, however it helps to outline the responsibility of the Employers in providing a safe working environment, and specific protocols regarding mandatory testing, personal protective equipment (PPE), and procedures. We will continue to discuss guidelines with our Local Union Steering Committees to develop department specific protocols.
Also released on Friday was the Los Angeles County Health Department Guidelines.
Both of these Guidelines move us closer to getting our Members back to work. The next crucial step will be bargaining over some of the items discussed. We will be sharing more information as it becomes available.
DIGITAL TOWN HALL:
We want to remind our Members that we will be hosting a Local 399 Digital Town Hall on Wednesday, June 17th. We will be providing an update regarding the next steps in this process of getting our Members back to work, as well as answering questions submitted by the Membership.
• This meeting is intended for Local 399 Members only. We ask that you do not share this registration link or meeting details on social media.
• Please allow up to 24-48 hours to receive a confirmation email as we will be reviewing and manually approving registrations to ensure registrants are Local 399 Members.
• Members on an Active, Retired, Withdrawal or Hold status are all able to attend.
Email office@ht399.org or callboard@ht399.org for a registration link if you did not receive one in your email.
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.
SOCIAL ISOLATION SUMMIT:
There is NO shame in seeking out help during this difficult time.
Right now we’re experiencing a dramatic rise in isolation and loneliness in people of all ages, especially older adults. Join MPTF and the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging for a SOCIAL ISOLATION IMPACT SUMMIT on July 1 to learn more about critical efforts to help keep us all connected as key influencers, service providers, and other leaders will provide inspiration and actionable insights to enable us to come together to effectively combat loneliness now.
TEAMSTER HISTORY e-BOOKS:
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters launched their new website this week. Among many available recourses, they have added a page of Teamster History books that are now available online. We encourage Members to download these great resources to learn more about the struggle, sacrifice and perseverance by the Labor Movement at large and Labor Leaders within our own organization to build a better world for working people everywhere. Our fight is far from over.
TEAMSTER OATH:
We have seen hundreds of our Members recommit to the Teamster Oath. For those of your that left a photo and a quote, we will be sharing some of your words next week. Thank you to those Members that have made it a point to remember and recommit to what it means to be a Teamster.
If you still have yet to add your name, click here.
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.
