New Orleans Local in the Know

Here is union information on current topics you might helpful.

COVID-19 Testing Compensation: There have been questions raised concerning pay for testing on the same day as a fitting. Information on this is provided in the return-to-work agreement here. 

Per Diem: Our Theatrical and Television agreements stipulate that producers must issue per diem checks to day performers before the start of each workday and to weekly performers before the start of each workweek. If you are not receiving your per diems on time, please contact the union at paymyperdiem@sagaftra.org, where you can confidentially report per diem violations.

Income Statements & Dues: Annual dues and fees are based on income earned under SAG-AFTRA contracts. Annually, the union asks all members to independently verify their earnings to ensure accuracy. Dues are based on previous year’s reported earnings and, in some instances, may include late reported earnings. As of this writing, members pay base dues of $222.96 annually ($111.48 every six months). In addition, members pay work dues of 1.575% of all covered earnings up to $500,000. Broadcast members should contact the National Broadcast Department at (800) 638-6796 for more information on initiation fees. Annual dues are divided into two equal amounts and are payable twice each year, May 1 and Nov. 1. Please click here for additional information regarding providing your income.

Micro-Budget Project Agreement: The Micro is designed to provide a streamlined signatory process for independent producers for projects budgeted $20,000 or less. Most terms will be subject to negotiation between producer and performer. Please note that this agreement does not create eligibility to join the union. Click here for more information about this contract or watch this webinar on the Micro on the SAG-AFTRA YouTube channel.

Local COVID-19 Update: It looks like things in Hollywood South are starting to get cranked up again. With that in mind, productions are continuing to maintain safe set guidelines. We are adapting to the ongoing changes to our work environment and in our communities. Testing and vaccination for COVID-19 continues. The Louisiana Department of Health website lists the most updated resources for both the COVID-19 testing and the COVID-19 vaccine information. It also lists the guidelines for contact tracing, isolation and quarantine, if needed. You may reach the Louisiana site here and Mississippi here. In addition to the LDOH website, you can call 211 for additional resources and information regarding COVID-19. Unemployment links are as follows: Louisiana and Mississippi. If you are in need of relief assistance, please get info at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols: SAG-AFTRA has extended its return-to-work agreement with the AMPTP until June 30, 2021, with no changes to the protocols during the extension. Read all about the COVID protocols here. 

Legislative Update: There’s some good news on the legislative front. Louisiana has awarded its first grant from the state’s new Entertainment Development Fund. The New Orleans Video Access Center, a community-based workforce development organization for the creative industries, and Local 478 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees are the joint recipients of a $220,372 grant. For more info, click here.