UFS on SAFETY
ENSURING THE SAFETY OF THE UNION
UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF UNITE FOR STRENGTH, USAN, AND UNION STRONG
LEADERS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY, SAG-AFTRA MOVED QUICKLY TO CREATE
COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS THAT KEPT MEMBERS WORKING
DESPITE SHUTDOWNS AROUND THE COUNTRY.
The President’s Blue Ribbon Safety Task Force worked tirelessly through the early months of the pandemic with sister unions and epidemiologists to craft the SAFE WAY FORWARD document which included:
- Routine COVID-testing before and during production
- A zone system which protected performers—the most vulnerable people on set
- The introduction of COVID Compliance Officers on set
- Dedicated Hygiene crews to follow cleaning and disinfection protocols
- Personal protective equipment for cast and crew
- Physical distancing at all times including meals and transportation
In an unprecedented show of solidarity, SAG-AFTRA, the DGA, IATSE, and the Basic Crafts Unions negotiated together with the AMPTP for the Return to Work Agreement. Our solid working relationships between our leadership and our sister unions during this process were crucial in getting the industry working again.
The Return to Work agreement with the AMPTP agreement guaranteed members:
- Payment for COVID testing
- Payment for Quarantine
- Paid Sick leave
The Return to Work Agreement had been extended indefinitely as the parties returned to the table to discuss the best paths for moving forward in light of the changing circumstances of the pandemic.
Entertainment industry unions and the AMPTP completed their deliberations and announced adjustments to the COVID-19 Safety Agreement based on updated information on vaccines and other scientific advances.
New modifications focus on practices in the workplace for fully vaccinated cast and crew, with adaptations to outdoor masking requirements as well as mealtime protocols.
On a production to production basis, producers may opt to enact mandatory vaccination policies for those cast and crew members working in Zone A.
In areas of the United States and Canada that have maintained consistently low COVID-19 infection rates, there may be accommodations allowed in testing frequency.
This updated version of the Return to Work Agreement will remain in effect through September 30, 2021. All parties will continue to monitor COVID-19 developments.
We remain committed to preserving member safety while creating safe sets so those members can continue to work.
Titles used for identification purposes only.
WHAT'S NEXT?
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📱 TV/TH & Streaming
You need contracts that work for the 21st Century. UFS is on the forefront of an ever evolving industry that changes almost by the minute; here's how.
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📺 Commercials
Negotiators. Organizers. Educators. We're working to ensure that opportunities are abundant and plentiful within this sector of the market.
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🦺 Safety
From the board room to the set, UFS has worked hard to ensure that SAFETY is a key priority in every avenue of your professional life.
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🧑🤝🧑 Diversity & Inclusion
UFS takes pride in having a slate that is representative of our members. We also fight for inclusion and equal rights. Learn more about where we stand on diversity.
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⚕️Healthcare
Learn about how UFS chose to "meet anger with action" by providing solutions during a grim reality instead of taking advantage of members during their weakest moment.
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🛑 Sexual Harassment
Times Up. Me Too. Four words that put our industry on notice. UFS listened, took note and made changes to ensure no member is ever taken advantage of again.
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🏛️ Legislative Victories
On the national scene, SAG-AFTRA is making its presence known. Learn more about how your union helped you in ways you may not have realized; from Hollywood to D.C.
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🎉 Member Support
A union is only as strong as its members. And its members are only as strong as they're educated. Learn what we're doing to make members as strong as possible.
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📋 Organizing
When members band together, anything is possible. We really value strength in unity. Learn about what we've accomplished when we decide to with each other.
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💸 Micro-Budget
There should never be any barrier to creating union work. This new agreement makes it easier for members to create union work.