SAG-AFTRA members required for union approval, coronavirus – for various reasons

As a cause of health and safety concerns arising from the coronavirus epidemic, SAG-AFTRA requires members to seek union approval before undertaking any new work.

The union, which represents about 160,000 actors, posted an emergency notice on its website on Thursday.

“In light of the high risk of COVID-19 global epidemics and the health and safety of actors working in the commercial and entertainment industries, no member should return to work under an existing contract or accept a contract for new employment, first securing union approval,” the notice began. Was. “SAG-AFTRA has evaluated and established the arrangements that the producer / employer has made and met adequate health and safety standards to ensure that members need to contact the union.”

“In addition, such job offers must be consistent with and applicable, existing collective bargaining agreements, relating to all local, state and federal guidelines relating to social distance, termination of necessary business and asylum in place orders,” the SAG-AFTRA said. Ensuring the health and safety of all members employed by the producers Is solely responsible for and does not allow any member to sign any document relieving the employer of such responsibility. “

The union said, “SAG-AFTRA elected leaders, staff and medical experts, along with other unions and industry partners, are working around the clock to develop safety protocols that comply with the best treatment and safety information for COVD-19.

The SAG-AFTRA announced that a day later, public health expert Jonathan E. Fielding advised the union to develop and implement a new safety protocol for hiring experts, when production would begin.

“All those who want to return to work and those in need remain a serious health threat,” Fielding said in a statement. “Therefore, developing guidelines for protecting people’s health as people work is an important element in opening up this important industry.”