SAG-AFTRA Agent Information on Coronavirus and Working Remotely

Dear Franchised Agents:
 
The health and safety of our members and agents remains one of SAG-AFTRA’s top priorities during the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.  We encourage all our agents to review the materials offered by the CDC on how best to prevent contracting the virus and, potentially, spreading it.  This link may prove helpful: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.  In addition, if any of your SAG-AFTRA clients have concerns about how to get tested if they believe they have been exposed to the virus, please direct them here:

sagaftraplans.org/health/news-resources/news/467-no-out-pocket-costs-network-coronavirus-testing

Now, with numerous productions potentially shutting down, some of your SAG-AFTRA clients may face financial (or other hardships), and may need help, As a result, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, along the Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund, have created the COVID-19 Disaster Fund to aid SAG-AFTRA members impacted by COVID-19. The Actors Fund will be administering resources and services on the ground. SAG-AFTRA members seeking to apply, and interested donors who want to give, can be directed to the following website for more information: www.sagaftra.foundation/covid19relief   

We have heard many of your concerns about maintaining not only business continuity but also reliable and effective service to your clients.  We can also appreciate that you would wish to do so in such a way that ensures your staffs are also protected.  Accordingly, we encourage you to review the option of potentially working remotely on a purely interim basis. Although SAG-AFTRA remains open for business, for example, many of its staff are working remotely, including many in the Professional Representatives Department.

If this is a possibility for your business, we strongly encourage you to consider this temporary measure.  Please note, however, that if you choose to work remotely, performers will still not be able to attend your homes for meetings/auditions, etc.  

This is obviously an evolving situation in which we appreciate that some decisions may need to be made quickly and implemented rapidly. SAG-AFTRA wants you to know that we are on side in implementing temporary policies which protect not only our members but your staffs, as well.

Thank you, as always, for all your great work and continued focus on safety during these challenging times.  Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any outstanding questions/concerns, or if we can offer any additional assistance.  Stay safe and thank you for your anticipated cooperation.