Greetings all. I start this report totally elated that our New Mexico film industry has opened up. Not only for myself, but I have heard from many members that they are getting multiple auditions. What wonderful news!
As we on the National Board have not been able to meet in person for most of the year, I want to get you current on things that we have been working on since June. From February into June, due to coronavirus restrictions, we did not meet; however, our Executive Committee handled business and — if anything of importance came up — referred it to us. And all of our meetings in the duration have been via Zoom.
First, I encourage you to regularly visit the SAG-AFTRA website for up-to-date information regarding set safety protocols, white papers, and anything else that can have an impact on your efforts to obtain work and your safety on the set. That said, here are some things that you should focus on:
1. COVID-19 testing is to be regular and consistent. Safety protocols emphasize personal protective equipment, hygiene and sanitation, and physical distancing.
2. All costs of testing are assumed by production.
3. All sets are to have a COVID-compliance supervisor.
4. In coordination with producers, provisions have been made in most of our entertainment contracts for paid sick leave related to COVID-19.
5. Visit SAG-AFTRA Back to Work for more.
For many of you, I know there have been concerns about the health plan. By now, all participants should have received a packet describing the plan moving forward, information about your benefits, etc. Remember that the health plan is not administered by SAG-AFTRA; it is a separate entity whose trustees include members of SAG-AFTRA and industry representatives. For an in-depth look at the changes, go to sagaftraplans.org/health/2021. What I can tell you is that great efforts have been made to provide benefits to the largest number of people possible.
One last thing to mention is that many sets now use digital paperwork. It is still your right to request your work documents on paper, and you should be able to get these by the end of your workday.
Really, this is all I have to report for the moment, as so much of our business has been taken up by the COVID-19 pandemic, and national has kept you regularly updated. As always, we have contract negotiations going on and are preparing for new ones. As we on the National Board meet, I'll update you as well as I can. That said, you're always welcome to write to me at nm@sagaftra.org with your questions or your concerns. If I cannot answer them, I'll direct you to someone who can.
Again, my best wishes to all of you for the coming months; stay well, and I hope we'll see each other on many sets.
In solidarity,
Mel MacKaron
SAG-AFTRA New Mexico National Board Representative
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