TEAMSTERS LOCAL 399: 2020 HOLIDAY HIATUS MEMO

On behalf of all of us at Teamsters Local 399, I want to wish you and your family a very safe and happy Holiday Season. This year has been unlike anything our Industry has ever had to navigate and I want to first and foremost thank all of you for your support, solidarity and perseverance throughout this year.

The solidarity between our Sister Unions and Guilds this year was unprecedented. Our combined efforts allowed us to fight for the return of our Industry by ensuring that safety and testing protocols were put in place to protect all cast and crew Members. We are among a handful of industries that are testing their workforce, and I’m grateful for that accomplishment.

These science-based protocols and the ability to regularly test those working on productions are the main reason our Industry has been granted the ability to operate, even as we see COVID-19 cases spike throughout Los Angeles County. This is not something that we take lightly, and we must continue to work together to protect one another in order to ensure we stay as safe as possible so our Industry can continue to operate.  We work throughout the county to create the movies, TV series’ and commercials that help entertain, comfort and distract individuals from the stresses of this year. While doing so, we must remain diligent about wearing our masks and following production protocols. We must also reassure the general public that the hardworking individuals in the entertainment Industry are as safely equipped as possible to continue to work.

COVID-19 CONTACT TRACING REMINDER:

Safety is everyone’s responsibility and the ability to continue to operate throughout our city will depend on everyone’s commitment to protect one another both in and out of the workplace.

At this time, the protocols implemented throughout our Industry appear to be working to prevent any massive outbreaks. However, if you do test positive while working, we want to stress to our Members to closely follow all instructions provided by your COVID-19 Compliance Supervisor, especially as it pertains to providing a thorough contract tracing report. Accurately reporting everyone you have come into contact with is critical to safety and also contributes to keeping our Industry open and our Members working. 

HOLIDAY HIATUS:

Please note that per the continuing COVID19 Return to Work Protocols, some productions may extend the Christmas Hiatus this year by an additional week, up to 3 weeks.

In a normal year, Rostered Drivers, Dispatchers, Mechanics and all other grouped Teamsters may be brought back out of seniority grouping after the Christmas Hiatus so long as the hiatus has been no more than two weeks. However, due to this year’s circumstances, all productions have the option of taking an additional week for hiatus, if they choose. This would give their crews their standard 2-weeks off, plus 1 additional week to accommodate for COVID testing. This choice would result in a total hiatus of 3 weeks, after which, grouped Teamsters may also be brought back out of seniority grouping for this year only. In some rare circumstances, shows may take up to 4 weeks hiatus in order to accommodate quarantine.

If you have questions about a specific show or studio facility, please contact your Business Agent. If you have questions during the hiatus, you may also call the “After Hours” On-Call Business Agent phone line. On-Call Business Agent Phone: (818) 397-2131

If there is anything we can do to support you and your family during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help.  

Have a safe and happy holiday and a prosperous New Year!

Thank you for your support,

Steve Dayan

Secretary-Treasurer

Teamsters Local 399