Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1277960
12 PRODUCTION SOUND & VIDEO – Summer 2020 NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS In June, the Industry-Wide Labor- Management Safety Committee delivered its White Paper report, a broad, high-level review of on-set safety recommendations for film and TV production. That was followed up by The Safe Way Forward, a much more detailed, on-the-ground look at how the production environment must be adapted in order to create a safer workplace. That document, submitted by the IATSE, DGA, SAG-AFTRA, Teamsters, and Basic Crafts, still awaits approval by the AMPTP. The final piece of this is Local 695's Craft-Specific Safety Guidelines, an ambitious review of safety measures to be taken for each of the crafts and job skills represented by Local 695. The Chairperson of our COVID-19 Safety Protocols Committee was Jay Patterson who says, "Gathering together more than 50 members of Local 695, representing so many job skills, from Video Technicians and Mixers to Talk Show A-2's and Utility Sound Technicians, was at first very challenging but then proved to be a hugely gratifying experience, with so much great input and participation from everyone, and I want to say thanks to all involved." Local 695's Craft-Specific Safety Guidelines, along with the White Paper and The Safe Way Forward can all be downloaded from our website, where you'll also find updates and more COVID- related info. If you are on a job that does not follow these safety guidelines, call the Local. COVID-19 NEWS Developing a Safe Path Back to Work PRIDE Many of our usual activities were canceled due to the pandemic, however, it is notable that 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the LA Pride Parade! Although we had to sit this year out, we're looking forward to the Pride Parade returning in 2021. Pride month was still observed, social distance style; we honor our LGBTQ members. style; we honor our LGBTQ members. 695 2nd Quarter Membership Meeting Local 695 members working to help better their community! Shawn Holden Devendra Cleary Amanda Beggs Due to COVID-19, Local 695's General Meeting was held virtually, on the increasingly popular Zoom platform. We had a great turnout at the 2nd Quarter Informational Membership Meeting on Zoom. For those who missed it, the meeting featured three presentations, all of which can be viewed online at www.local695.com/html/may-15-2020- meeting.html (log-in required). The first presentation featured four representatives from MPI's Pension & Health Plan. They answered questions from our members about some of the new COVID-19 member benefits added to the Plans, including the three-month waiver of monthly premiums (for those who pay them), access to Tele-medicine, without the usual $5.00 co-pay, a new extension of hours now available to those who qualify, and the new IAP Hardship Withdrawals that give members access to up to twenty percent or twenty thousand dollars from their IAP if applied online before 12/31/2020. Complete information can be found at www.mpiphp.org The second presentation was from MPTF's Naomi Rodda and was called "Coping in Chaotic Times," looking at some of the emotional issues many of us have been experiencing over these last few months. Naomi offered specific and practical coping strategies and encouraged members to take advantage of resources that are available to help members in this difficult time, including MPTF's Intake Line at (323) 634-3888, Optum's COVID- 19 24/7 Emotional Support Hotline at (866) 342-6892, Kaiser's COVID-19 24/7 Emotional Support Hotline at (800) 900-3277.