TEAMSTERS LOCAL 399: COVID-19: Important Reminders, Updates and Week In Review
(04.26.2020)
I hope you and your family are hanging in there and staying safe now that another week has passed. I know that this time has not been easy, but with each week we make it through, I am confident we will come out stronger at the end of this and get back to the work we love. 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.
LOCAL 399 DIGITAL TOWNHALL:
I hope you will join us at our first-ever Local 399 Digital Townhall!
If you plan to attend, please register by 12PM Monday, April 27th in order to ensure you receive the meeting link.
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.
Please do not share this information on social media as this meeting is intended for Local 399 Members only.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Labor Community Services Entertainment Industry Union Food Distribution Event
Date: Wednesday, April 29th | 9AM – 12PM
Location: 2210 West Olive Avenue Burbank, CA, 91506
For Members in need of additional food assistance this week, please plan to attend the upcoming Labor Community Services Entertainment Industry Union Food Distribution Event on Wednesday, April 29th at 2210 West Olive Avenue Burbank, CA, 91506.
For the safety of all involved, the food pick-up is for drive-thru only.
Red Cross Blood Drive
(Organized by IATSE Local 871 and the Costume Designer Guild)
Date: Sunday, May 3rd | 9AM – 3PM
Location: Costume Designers Guild, IATSE Local 892
3919 Magnolia Blvd, Burbank CA 91505
The COVID-19 situation has caused for an even greater blood shortage in Los Angeles County. If you are able to safely donate, consider making an appointment today. Head to www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: IATSE871.
PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
This is a newly available emergency unemployment assistance program under the Federal ‘CARES Act’. PUA provides assistance for unemployed or partially unemployed individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance and who are unable or unavailable to work due to COVID-19 related circumstances. The Employment Development Department (EDD) will be accepting on-line applications for this program beginning Tuesday, April 28.
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.
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.
Our Entertainment Union Coalition has put together a helpful guide for those that will begin applying for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program on or after April 28th. Click here or on the image below to view this step-by-step guide.
UNION DUES:
As the end of the first month of our 2nd Quarter (April, May & June) approaches, for those that have not made a decision regarding your dues, we ask that you do so before the last Business Day of April. Please review your options below. If you have any questions, please reach out to office@ht399.org
OPTION 1: Pay Your Dues
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. Please keep in mind if you are still getting paid by your Employer you are expected to pay dues for the months you received payment. Click here if you want to make a dues payment online for the 2nd Quarter Dues.
OPTION 2: Take a “Withdrawal Status”
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.
If you have further questions about taking a ‘Withdrawal’ 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.
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.
