This letter is intended to be a general guide from your president and local board to all members of the SAG-AFTRA Philadelphia Local during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
It will be just a few more months before we reach the first-year mark of the pandemic lockdown. As you know, despite guidelines issued from our scientific and medical communities, we're still experiencing record-high numbers of infections due to colder weather and unsafe indoor activities and gatherings.
Despite higher infection rates, many broadcasters are continuing to work remotely and in socially distanced studio settings. For our acting community, some limited work is available with strict protocols in place on set, but for many, this is not enough and they are not willing to take the risk in enclosed environments. From the beginning, we've encouraged our members who are temporarily out of work to engage in online seminars, classes and talk groups to try to find viable ways of working remotely until it's safe again to work in person. Please visit the SAG-AFTRA website to see the lineups of online discussions, which include a number of archived talks.
For those who need financial help, please take advantage of the SAG-AFTRA COVID-19 Dues Relief Extension Program. This will allow you to postpone paying your November dues bill, but you must request it by Dec. 10. All you do is check the “COVID-19 Dues Relief Extension” box on the back of your payment coupon and return by mail, or call (855) SAG-AFTRA to apply. By doing so, you'll still be in good standing and eligible for the SAG Awards For Your Consideration materials. This year’s show is scheduled to air March 14.
An installment plan will be put in place that will require you to pay one half of your dues by no later than Jan. 4, 2021. The second and remaining balance will then be due no later than April 2, 2021. Please get in your request before the Dec. 10 deadline! Go to sagaftra.org for more details.
For further support services, please visit the SAG-AFTRA Foundation or The Actors Fund website.
The following is a list of important numbers that are also printed on the back of your union card:
- SAG-AFTRA contact number: (855) SAG-AFTRA / (855) 724-3773. To report workplace harassment or discrimination call (855) 724-3773 then press 1.
- 24-Hour Safety Hotline: (844) SAFER SET/(844) 723-3773
- For general inquiries, call the SAG-AFTRA Philadelphia Local at (215) 732-0507 and leave a message. The voicemail box is checked regularly.
The most effective way to get information is by going to sagaftra.org, where you can find extremely useful information under the Contracts & Industry Resources tab. You can do signatory searches to find out if a production is under a SAG-AFTRA contract or search for current productions.
We will get through this, but we've got to endure the pain and look ahead. And, with the recent news of at least two viable vaccines coming in the next few months, we have everything to look forward to.
In good health and solidarity,
Sam Clover
President of the SAG-AFTRA Philadelphia Local
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