Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1401622
16 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2021 | sagaftra.org For Members National Board Meets via Videoconference A s the union continues to work to bring healthcare options to its senior union members, SAG-AFTRA announced in June that the AFL-CIO Mutual Benefit Fund now provides two comprehensive health plan options to all Medicare-eligible SAG-AFTRA members and their spouses through Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. These are group Medicare Advantage plans and include prescription drug coverage. And, importantly, members who qualify for Senior Performer benefits under the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan Health Reimbursement Account Plan will qualify for HRA allocations if they enroll in one of these new Medicare Advantage plans. These group plans, which can be a savings over individual plans, are part of Anthem's PPO, giving participants access to a broader network of doctors. Plus, those in Southern California will have access to UCLA/MPTF Health Centers and The Industry Health Network. Other perks include no copay for some medical services, such as routine annual physicals and preventive care, brand-name prescription drug benefits, and additional value-added programs and services, such as telehealth, transportation, hearing, vision and more. With the support of SAG-AFTRA, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, benefits powerhouse Union Plus, and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield used the power of our movement's collective strength to create new options that will truly benefit not just SAG-AFTRA senior members, but seniors from organized labor across the nation. "When we unite our forces, our collective strength is magnified," said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. "We gain the leverage and resources to be able to offer this new healthcare option for our treasured seniors, who deserve dignity, respect and the peace of mind that comes with these new healthcare options." For information on signing up for one of these plans, Medicare-eligible SAG-AFTRA members are asked to contact Entertainment Health Insurance Solutions at ehisca.com or Artists Health Insurance Resource Center at actorsfund.org. At each website is a short form to fill out, and you will be contacted by a representative. These representatives will make sure SAG-AFTRA Health Plan Senior Performer HRAs are applied to the new plan, if applicable. New Healthcare Opportunity for Senior Members T he SAG-AFTRA National Board met July 24 in a regularly scheduled one-day videoconference plenary. During the meeting, the Board received the proposal package for the Network Code negotiations, approved an update to the 2001 Dubbing Agreement and heard an encouraging member-earnings report. The Board approved the use of gender-neutral language that reflects the union's aspiration to achieve gender equity and the inclusion of all forms of gender identity and expression in national policies and procedures, local constitutions and local policies. The Board overwhelmingly moved to send to convention two constitutional amendments for consideration, adding diversity, equity and inclusion to union objectives as well as implementing gender-neutral inclusive language. President Gabrielle Carteris reported on SAG-AFTRA's updated COVID-19 Return to Work Agreement and reviewed the union's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and its continued advancements in technological efficiencies, member service and engagement. The Board received an interim report from the National Task Force Ensuring Fair and Equitable Hiring Practices Within the Stunt Community. Recommended actions include creating a database of qualified diverse stunt performers, defining compliance protocols for stunt coordinators, and proposing specific initiatives around the training, mentoring and networking of stunt performers. In his national executive director's report, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland provided an update on the union's operations and accomplishments in member service, education and engagement. He also noted member employment improvements, showing jobs and earnings had rebounded and reached a new high in the first months of 2021, with streaming and commercials showing significant growth. Crabtree-Ireland said, "We're very pleased that the COVID safety protocols that we worked so hard with our sister unions to complete have enabled the industry to rebound. It also emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant and not becoming complacent about the virus because it is those very protections that will allow our members to continue to work in the pandemic environment." Additionally, he also reported on organizing initiatives and contract negotiations, including dozens of broadcast station negotiations, SAG-AFTRA's Sound Recordings Code, and its agreement with Telemundo Television Studios for Spanish-language television production. He also reported on various contract enforcement initiatives and provided a detailed report on the recently revised Return to Work Agreement. Secretary-Treasurer Camryn Manheim and Chief Financial Officer Arianna Ozzanto presented the financial results for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2021. Revenue exceeded expectations and expenses were favorable to budget. Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez presented the proposal package for the Network Code negotiations, which will be negotiated in late September and October. The Network Code Continues on page 64