Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1367665
that impact the lives of working members," said SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President and Chair of the National Innovation and New Technology Committee Rebecca Damon. Damon noted that 83% of new members have joined online — without the need for paper or staff assistance — since an online joining portal went live in late 2020. And since the inception of the union's Contact Center to enhance member service, the union has logged nearly 900,000 calls from members seeking a broad range of support. Our member service staff have responded to 120,000 emails and conducted 55,000 online chats. An overall 98% member-satisfaction rating for the suite of services is a strong endorsement of the service evolution to date. Technology is also giving teeth to every member's desire to work without fear of harassment. SAG-AFTRA's sexual harassment reporting platform is now available through the member app and at sagaftrasafeplace.org. Beta testers report that it projects a thoughtful, caring, supportive and helpful environment. The platform gives members an additional tool to discreetly and securely report incidents of harassment, as well as offer referrals for therapeutic, legal and law enforcement assistance. In recent years, automation has increased the speed in which members receive their residuals — 4.6 million checks were processed during the first 12 months of the pandemic. An online tracker allows a member to track the status of their incoming residuals payments. And, more recently, an industry-changing direct deposit system was developed that allows members to receive residuals safely and securely into their bank account. To date, 1.6 million payments have been direct deposited, totaling more than $300 million, and the service just expanded to members living outside of the United States. While members are now able to check the status of a claim online through the Claims Tracker, those with a new commercials claim inquiry can now file the claim online as well — no more phone calls or emails needed. Members can view FAQs about commercials claims inquiries, file an inquiry online, track the status of their inquiry and communicate with staff assigned to the inquiry. Not only does this streamline the process, it saves members time. Even now-familiar SAG-AFTRA online tools are regularly enhanced: The sagaftra.org website features a new faceted search engine and the member app can facilitate dues payments and RSVPs to SAG-AFTRA events. SAG-AFTRA is also mindful of making use of technology to smooth the path for producers to hire performers. A new portal for casting directors greatly reduces the time and effort to clear casts for work eligibility. The new Micro-Budget Project Agreement has an online process that makes signing a small project a snap. And, coming soon, indie producers will be able to log into the Producers Portal, a one-stop digital hub allowing them to submit a new production, see what information must be provided to the union and check the signatory status of their projects. "Even though we've been in the midst of a pandemic, it's been very important that we not hunker down and merely survive it," said White. "We've worked very hard with innovative new ideas and technology advances to make sure SAG-AFTRA remains positioned to protect and empower members well into the future."