Art Directors Guild chief says workers below the line are 'paying the price' of ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes

Chuck Parker, National Executive Director, IATSE Local 800 Art Directors Guild , said that “It is becoming frightening to see workers at the bottom 'bearing the brunt' of the ongoing strikes by actors and writers. It reminds its members that help is available for those struggling to maintain their union health coverage and make ends meet.

"I understand that most of you are frustrated with the current state of our industry,” he said. wrote in an email to members on Friday. “The writers' and actors' strikes have brought our industry to its knees. I also realize that many of you have moved past frustration and into despair, and for some, bordering on despair.

“While writers and actors have the right to strike for what they feel (and have always made clear) they deserve, they also feel that the employer is not engaging not with them in a meaningful way. The Writers Guild has been on strike since May 2 and SAG-AFTRA since July 14.

“However, it has become chilling that those bearing the brunt of the resulting economic fallout are the grassroots members of IATSE, the Teamsters, the Basic Crafts and our valued vendors on whom we rely. , everyday," Parker wrote.

"If I could call whoever is responsible for this and get us all back to work, I would" , he wrote, saying that Matt Loeb, president of IATSE, and Mike Miller, head of the union's West Coast office, would also do so. "The truth, however, is that we have no role in this conflict. The only thing we can do, the only action we can take, is to find ways to help each other that have consequences."

"We know many members are heading into this Labor Day weekend facing uncertainties , and many are finding it increasingly difficult to manage financially,” he continued. “Many others are worried about maintaining health care coverage for themselves and their families. Therefore, I would like to remind all members of the strike assistance available through the Film Industry Health and Pension Plan. »

Earlier this week, he noted, the MPIPHP began offering up to six months of “free” COBRA coverage for participants currently enrolled in its active health plan if they worked or accumulated a minimum number of hours during the qualifying period.

“No charge,” he explained, “means COBRA bounties will be waived for the applicable period. Benefit period. However, payment of premiums otherwise due for Active Health Plan coverage will still be required. Participants eligible for this benefit will be contacted by mail by the MPIPHP approximately 30 days prior to the loss of their health coverage and will be given the opportunity...