President Carteris Update - Returning to Work, Resources for Members, More

Dear Member, 

I hope you are continuing to stay safe and healthy as we enter the Memorial Day weekend.

RETURNING TO WORKI wanted to take just a moment to share our efforts around a safer return to work.

Working with our Blue Ribbon Commission on Safety, we are completing a set of initial protocols with input from our expert epidemiologists, industrial sanitation specialists, member leaders and staff. We also are working in collaboration with our fellow guilds and unions, and the industry to ensure that our protocols are part of any harmonized industry standard. 

There are multiple efforts across the industry to create various procedures for returning to work. SAG-AFTRA has not yet signed on to any specific set of procedures for reopening. We are reviewing all of these on a case-by-case basis to ensure that any such guidelines reflect the concerns of performers and provide appropriate protection for any return to production.

In this unprecedented time, there are many and varied interests in the larger process. While we remain flexible, our overriding interest is in ensuring that sets are safe for SAG-AFTRA members.  

We want to get back to work and we want producers to have the confidence and understanding of our membership as they move forward with their projects.

I will keep you updated on this effort.

PTEOE LIVESTREAM WEBINARS

On Tuesday, the PTEOE hosted an informative livestream which provided guidance on self-taping auditions while safer at home. Be sure to check it out and join us this Thursday for a PTEOE livestream with guests from the Motion Picture & Television Fund about maintaining balance and wellness during the pandemic.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s critical that we acknowledge that the world around us can cause stress, anxiety and depression – possibly now more than ever. Please watch the video below for more information and remember there are resources available if you are struggling.

HONORING FALLEN SERVICE MEMBERS
Memorial Day honors the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. It unofficially marks the beginning of summer and is usually a time for family gatherings. This weekend, we observe our fallen heroes with respect and honor while socially-distanced, and in many cases, safer at home. 

Stay well and have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.

Strength in unity,
Gabrielle Carteris