COVID-19: Important Reminders, Updates and Last Week In Review
(07.19.2020)
As we continue to see the COVID-19 cases rise in Los Angeles County, at this time we are still in the process of slowly re-opening the Industry. That said, part of the reason the State is allowing us to continue to slowly begin shooting again is due to the extreme caution and thoughtful safety measures that we are trying to ensure are implemented. If you have gotten a call for work and notice anything that is questionable regarding your safety or anyone else on set, please contact your Union Representative immediately. If people do not follow simple safety measures like practicing physical distancing, wearing a mask, and getting tested, we could see ourselves locking back down as well. Please be smart and stay safe.
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.
3RD QUARTER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
We have received guidance from the International regarding how we can conduct an official digital General Membership Meeting via Zoom. We will be hosting our first-ever digital General Membership Meeting on Sunday, July 26th at 9AM. This meeting will be run like any typical Quarterly General Membership Meeting.
3rd Quarter Digital General Membership Meeting
DATE: Sunday, July 26th
TIME: 9AM – 11AM
If you did not receive a link to register in your email, please email office@ht399.org. You must register to attend.
CAST & CREW WEBINARS:
If you were unable to attend the Cast and Crew Webinar this past week, or are interested in watching the previous webinars they have released regarding “Creating a Digital Production Office”, click here or on the button below.
CSATF ANNOUNCEMENT:
New 6 Month Training Window for Individuals with Expired Documents.
Local 399 individuals who have an expired document required for their classification (e.g. Driver License or Medical Card) will have access to required training for an additional six (6) months from the date the document expires. (Previously, training was unavailable immediately upon expiration of required document.)
To review the expiration dates of your documents on file with Contract Services, head to your Contract Services Portal: www.csatf.org under Compliance Report. If you have any questions, please email: roster399@csatf.org.
PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH:
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light how important workplace health standards are for containing the coronavirus, stemming any outbreaks, and protecting our overall public health.
When public health standards in the workplace are ignored, transmission increases, and it can quickly become a petri dish where the virus can spread into our communities. The best way to ensure the health of our society as a whole is to give essential workers the opportunity to monitor compliance with virus-prevention protocols.
Simply put, public health and economic recovery begins in the workplace and workers are our most valuable resource.
The County of Los Angeles can help protect the public from another outbreak by passing legislation that allows workers to form committees to monitor adherence to virus-prevention protocols, and permit the County Department of Public Health (DPH) to certify third party organizations to assist with much needed capacity.
DATE: Tuesday, July 21
TIME: Meet-up is at 8am | Caravan & Program start at 9am
LOCATION: Los Angeles State Historic Park -1501 North Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012
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.
TEAMSTER OATH:
We continue to see Local 399 Members recommit to the Teamster Oath. We want to thank all of our Members that have recommitted and taken the time to share your own personal response to the reasons behind your recommitment. We have been inspired by the words of our Members. We have been sharing some of our Members words and photos on our social media channels. Head to our official Teamsters Local 399 Facebook or Instagram page to check it out.
Thank you to those Members that have made it a point to remember and recommit to what it means to be a Teamster.
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.
_______________________________
Thank you for your support over the past several months. Please let us know if there is anything more we can be doing to support you and your family at this time.