Wishing you a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend. We know the typical gatherings on a holiday weekend may look different this year, however we must not forget what this weekend is truly meant to honor. May we never forget the sacrifice and service of the brave Men and Women that fought for the freedoms and progress of today. We have many Local 399 Members that have served our Country, and for that I want to say thank you. To those that we knew, loved and still mourn their loss, who died to ensure our freedoms, we hope you are able to cherish their memory this weekend.
We know this pandemic and the loss of work has not been easy for many of our Members, however we believe we are getting closer to establishing safety guidelines that will support and protect Entertainment Industry Workers throughout all classifications. Many are ready to get back to the work we love, and I am confident we will get there, we just need to make sure we do this right.
We are grateful to our Members that even in the midst of uncertainty, many of you have still found a way to give back and support your Sisters and Brother during this difficult time. We will get through this and this will be a defining moment for our Industry and our Local. Stay strong and stay engaged with any and all updates from the Local as we are working to keep the Membership as informed as possible of all resources available. Again, if you have any questions or immediate concerns, please make us your first call. We are here to help. We work for YOU.
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.
HOLLYWOOD BASIC CRAFTS FOOD DISTRIBUTION EVENT:
We are partnering with the Hollywood Basic Crafts, the Los Angeles Federation of Labor, Labor Community Services and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to host a Food Distribution Event on Friday, May 29th.
This event will take place at Zio Studio Services in Sylmar from 9AM – 12PM (or until the food is gone). We recommend early arrival as these events tend to fill up quickly. We are grateful to our Union Family that is working to provide additional food assistance to Members in need during this time. This event is open to all Union Members, your family, friends, and the community at-large. Due to safety precautions and in order to practice safe social distancing measures, this event is drive-thru only.
Click here to ‘Save the Date’
GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM – CALIFORNIA GUIDELINES:
Simply put, no the Industry is not opening up on Monday. There has been some confusing information being shared in the press about our Industry re-opening on Monday. At this time, that is not the case. The industry Guilds and Unions are still in discussions with the Studios around what that looks like exactly. I can tell you we are getting closer to establishing universal safety guidelines. Please remember, it is of utmost importance for us to protect not only our Members safety on the job, but also the very jobs our Members are skilled, trained and equipped to do.
As mentioned before, we WILL get there but we must do this right the first time. All Union representatives are working around the clock. If you have a questions or concerns you wish to discuss, please do not hesitate to reach out. We have been meeting with our Union Steering Committees and will be hosting another Digital Townhall very soon to provide more updates. Stay tuned.
LOCAL 399 EMERGENCY RECOVERY FUND:
I want to again thank our Members that voted in favor of allocating up to $500,000 to our Local 399 Emergency Recovery Fund to support Members in need of immediate financial assistance. I want to remind you of the “Frequently Asked Questions” section surrounding the fund so that you are aware of the eligibility requirements. We are grateful to the Motion Picture and Television Fund for managing this fund on behalf of our Members.
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 Local 399 Fund will not take effect until June 1st, however Members can begin applying today.
- 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 just like any organization seeking to help during this pandemic you treat MPTF case workers with the utmost respect and gratitude for their service and the time they spend to support those Members devastated by this pandemic.
If there are any questions we can answer surrounding the fund, please do not hesitate to reach out.
LEO T. REED SCHOLARSHIP FUND:
The deadline for the Leo T. Reed Scholarship Fund is THIS upcoming Friday. This scholarship fund is open to graduating High School Seniors of Local 399 Members. You must complete your application by 5PM Friday in order to be considered for this award.
The Los Angeles Federation of Labor will be selecting the top 10 applicants to receive $5,000 each towards their Educational or Vocational organization of their choosing.
Click here to learn more and apply.
MPIPHP UPDATE:
Earlier this week we shared an update from the MPIPHP regarding the “Hours Credit Extends Eligibility for Health Coverage.”
NON-FICTION ‘UNION’:
This week the Non-Fiction ‘Union’; not a Union, but instead, an advocacy coalition of non-fiction freelancers – from creative to logistics, from top to bottom roles, across all distribution platforms and show genres, released their #RaiseOurStandards Campaign. This campaign is meant to elevate the voices of our Brothers and Sisters that work in Nonfiction and Documentary Television that are fighting for better wages, working conditions and benefits for all non-fiction television workers. Their primary goal and focus is to foster a movement toward all Nonfiction workers being incorporated into existing Unions.
We encourage Members to watch the video they just released to learn more about their struggle and fight. All working people should have the benefit and opportunity to join a Union and fight for a better life for themselves and their families. We stand in solidarity with our Brothers and Sisters and support the Non-Fiction Union.
Click here to watch.
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.
