During the past month, with the help of Assistant Business Agent Davis and Crewing Stewards Siegel and Rave, we’ve been working with Ed Hills on transitioning to the latest version of Call Steward database, Call Steward 3 and are making good progress.
Soon you will receive an email with information on how to log into your profile on the new CS3 site. This will require steps to set up and we will be available to assist you. Once we have it ready to go, we will send you the information on how to access and complete your set up.
As you may know, IATSE has partnered with the Actors Fund to assist members who find themselves in financial need due to being out of work during the pandemic. This morning I spoke with a very helpful contact named Barbara Davis over at the Actors Fund who walked me through the application process and documentation requirements.
The application takes about two weeks to process. She says that they’ve also recently partnered with Netflix and have funds available for crew members who need help.
Members who are not able to make ends meet for the next month or two, are encouraged to begin the application process asap to see if you qualify for a grant. On *average*, the grant amount is a one time issue of up to $1000. This is not an income replacement program, it is a financial grant to assist IATSE members help with meeting basic needs such as rent and utility bills.
If you’ve found that you require more assistance than you are able to receive through TWC unemployment benefits, visit the link below to get your application started with Actors Fund. The Actors Fund grant is to supplement, not replace your unemployment benefits.
If you’re having difficulty providing the required documentation (work history up to five years, proof of up to $6500 per year earned in stagecraft, etc) contact me for help. Miss Davis said that we can provide proof of work history if you do not have access to your W2s. Work history is archived on Call Steward or available through your employers HR departments. I am eager to assist those of you who find you need help navigating this process. Please reach out and ask.
Miss Davis also mentioned the Live Nation / Crew Nation has resources available to those who work in live music concert industry so I am looking into that and will send information on the application process as it becomes available.
The following was sent to the membership via the announce mechanism on Mar. 6th 2020 from the office of the Business Agent:
Brothers and Sisters,
I am disheartened to report that SXSW was officially canceled today by the City of Austin.
All scheduled labor for TOMORROW Saturday 3/7 will remain as scheduled. I repeat if you are scheduled tomorrow 3/7, you will still go to work as scheduled. Freeman has had gear arriving at the Austin Convention Center and we will be loading out that gear.
All scheduled labor for all areas on Sunday 3/8 through 3/21 with FREEMAN has been cancelled.
We will update you as we find out more information from our various employers.
In Solidarity,
Dell World is moving into Austin Convention Center on October 14th and out on October 20th under several clients including Production Support Services, Las Vegas, GES and Freeman AV to name the largest. We need approximately 200 technicians and hands to fill all the calls. Therefore, we are requesting ALL members who are available to work this October and November to please call in and support your union.
We have crew calls at Paramount theater for Austin Film Fest and several other small jobs that have been added this week as well.
Due to the busy nature of these two months, you may report your availability to work in three ways: call into the HH phone number or, email or, wishlist jobs that you are available to work on Call Steward. (Note, if you wishlist a job, you are reporting that you are available for any position and for the entire job as there is no mechanism in Call Steward to request certain positions or days.) Set your vacation manager for days not available.
Whichever way you choose, report your availability for this specific time frame as soon as possible and we will endeavor to put you to work.
In Solidarity,
Nikki Combs
Business Agent
I.A.T.S.E. Local 205
