COVID-19 Update and Resources
LOCAL 481 OFFICE & EVENTS
All Local 481 events including trainings and the April 5th Executive Board and General Membership meetings have been postponed until further notice.
The Local 481 office will remain closed and our staff will work remotely to provide services to our members. We ask that members do not come to the Local 481 office in Woburn.
We will periodically update you with important information via email and postings on the Local 481 website (Coronavirus Blog) and Facebook page
RESOURCES
Below are some valuable resources and links to help you and your families stay informed as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses in our region and globally.
IATSE Coronavirus Portal
https://www.iatse.net/coronavirus-update-portal
IATSE Cares
is a new initiative designed to provide support to our most at-risk, elderly, and/or disabled members during the COVID-19 crisis
U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Massachusetts
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
Rhode Island
https://health.ri.gov/diseases/ncov2019/
Vermont
https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/infectious-disease/2019-novel-coronavirus
Maine
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/airborne/coronavirus.shtml
New Hampshire
PRODUCTIONS
All seven film and television productions in the jurisdiction (all in MA) have ceased operations and gone on a hiatus for 2 weeks or more when the productions will reassess.
We have contacted the four known commercials that were scheduled for the next 10 days. Two will not be shooting (Hayroad/Vagrants & CMS/Hill Holiday), one still intends to shoot but is assessing (M ss ng P eces/Google), and one has not yet replied (Sweet Rickey).
Should you be called to work, stay home if you are even mildly ill or if a household member is ill, particularly if you or they have a cough or fever and follow all state and federal workplace recommendations, including:
- Wash hands frequently (sanitizer should be made available by the employer if available)
- Cover your cough with your elbow or a tissue
- Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces and objects
- Limit personal contact (no hugs, no handshakes)
- Avoid touching hands & face
- Avoid sharing utensils, food, cups, etc.
UNEMPLOYMENT
MA Unemployment Insurance
To assist individuals who cannot work due to the impact of COVID-19, the state has filed emergency legislation and emergency regulations that allow people impacted by COVID-19 to collect unemployment if their workplace is shut down. Please CLICK HERE for more information
RI Unemployment Insurance
According to their website, COVID-19 related UI claims are processed faster and can be more generous than TDI/TCI if you are out of work due to COVID-19. Please CLICK HERE for more information.
CLICK HERE for helpful tips on filing for Unemployment Insurance.
Families First and CARES Acts
Click Here for information about the Expanded Unemployment Benefits available from the Federal Government.
IATSE NATIONAL BENEFIT FUND
COVID-19 Testing
The IATSE National Benefit Funds has waived all fees for COVID-19 testing for all participants enrolled in Plan A and all Plan C options as well as those enrolled in Triple S Click here to visit their website.
Online Healthcare
Login to your account on the Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield website to access LiveHealth online, which allows you to connect with a doctor 24/7 from your home. Video visits are a great way to get quality medical care in minutes when your own doctor isn't available, and you have: pink eye, sinus infection, sore throat, a cold or flu, skin infection or rash and more. CLICK HERE to visit thier website.
Annuity Hardship Withrawals
Annuity hardship withdrawals have been extended to include a new category to assist those who have been affected by COVID-19. For folks who have lost work, been laid off, or had other losses or expenses due to the virus, participants are eligible for immediate withdrawal in the amount of their loss.
ACTORS FUND
Despite its name, many Local 481 members with a variety of needs have received assistance over the years from the Actor's Fund, often facilitated with help from the Local 481 office. As of today, the Actor's Fund is implementing a streamlined application process for financial assistance directly to entertainment industry workers. To be eligible, you will need to provide documentation on your work history and level of need.
CLICK HERE to vist their website.
TRAINING
If you are interested in using this time to improve your skills, knowledge base or finally take that safety class please visit the IATSE Training Trust Fund. They offer numerous online courses and free subscribtion to LinkedIn Learning.
CLICK HERE for more information.
