TEAMSTERS LOCAL 399: Important Reminders, Updates and Week In Review

We are happy to report that we are seeing the Industry get busier with more and more Members returning to work each week. We cannot stress the importance of your safety enough. The Business Agents and myself are working very closely with each returning production to ensure protocols are being implemented to protect the crew and cast on set.

In this new COVID-19 world, we recognize that work might look very different. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you feel unsafe or have questions about any of the new protocols being implemented on production, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Business Agent or report through our new Safety Hotline: 818-436-0239.

In case you missed anything, please find a recap of this week’s efforts, as well as a reminder of important ongoing resources and information.

RESCHEDULED: DIGITAL TOWN HALL

We are asking Members to save the date for this Thursday, September 24th at 6PM for another Local 399 Digital Town Hall. We will be sharing more information and the registration for the event soon. Stay tuned.

LOCAL 399 CLASS A DRIVERS:

Important Update Regarding CDL, MEC, and Safety Training:Please carefully review the important update and information in the link below. We have been receiving many calls from concerned Members and we want to address those concerns and explain what has been going on behind the scenes to protect our Members as we navigate the intricacies of the global pandemic within our Industry.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

  • CSATTF CONTRACTUAL SAFETY CLASSES
  • EXPIRED CDL AND MEC

 

NATIONAL DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK:

This past week was National Truck Driver Appreciation Week!

Head to our official Local 399 social media pages to see some great photos of our hard working Drivers. As we see our Industry continue to slowly return, we are proud of your commitment to safety while driving Hollywood.

This year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week took on an even deeper significance during a year when truck drivers have played a critical role in helping the nation endure the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis has reminded Americans that without truck drivers, the essential goods and services we take for granted every day would not exist.

As Motion Picture Industry Drivers, we know that without the hard work of our Members, the TV shows and Feature films that have helped inspire, entertain and provide an outlet for many during this challenging time would not have been brought to life. We salute all our truck driver heroes!

“AMERICA’S TOP DOG” SIGNS CONTRACT WITH TEAMSTERS LOCAL 399 AND THE IATSE AFTER TWO DAY STRIKE:

Thanks to our Members that stood strong this week to secure a contract on the production “America’s Top Dog”. When we fight, we win. We are proud of our Members standing firm and fighting for what you deserve – fair wages, benefits and safe working conditions.

“We were able to get a good contract with a nonunion reality company during this pandemic in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of IATSE. We would like to thank them for their help during the strike. It was grassroots organizing at its best. We are proud of our brother and sister Teamsters who stood strong during the strike.” – Recording Secretary, Business Agent & lead Organizer Lindsay Dougherty

Learn more about the organizing effort here.

2020 CENSUS – TIME IS RUNNING OUT:

The deadline to complete the 2020 Census is September 30th. Make this a priority for you and your family this week if you have yet to complete it.

Three things to remember about the 2020 Census — it’s safe, easy and important!

• SAFE because respondents’ personal information remains private and confidential by law.

• EASY because it is the first-time respondents may complete the Census online, along with phone-in, mail-in and in person options.

• IMPORTANT because getting a complete count determines our representation in Congress, the redistricting of voting districts, and where and how over $675 billion in Federal Funding, per year for ten years, will be dispersed among the states, municipalities, services, non-profits, community organizations, small business, etc.

2020 Census is easier to complete than EVER. You can now respond by:

• Phone: 1-844-330-2020

• Internet: www.2020census.gov

• By Mail-In Form

TAKE THE PLEDGE – NO ON PROP 22:

Stand with Labor and California Workers this November to say we are sick of Gig Company Greed. Take the pledge to stand with the Teamsters voting NO on Prop 22.

LOCAL 399 DUES REMINDER:

September is the last month to pay your dues to avoid SUSPENSION if your account is on an ACTIVE status and you have yet to make a payment for the 3rd Quarter. We know over the last several months we have seen many Members place themselves on a Withdrawal status. If you are currently on Withdrawal, you are not responsible for dues until you reinstate yourself to an active status.

Please note, if you work even one day in a month, you are required to pay dues for that month. We will be sharing a more thorough Dues update later this week. If you are unsure about your account or status, please reach out to the Union Hall Front Office: 818-985-7374 or email office@ht399.org. To make a payment online, click here.

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.

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.

CONNECT WITH TEAMSTERS LOCAL 399:

Get connected with Teamsters Local 399 on our official social media pages.

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. An engaged and educated Membership is a strong Membership. Don’t just belong to your Union, be an Active Member.

 

            

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