Hi,
The IATSE has been organized and dedicated to this crisis from the beginning. The national offices in Canada and the USA have been working very closely with governments to make sure the people of our industry are covered in a Covid-19 relief effort.
I took part in a coast to coast conference call on Monday, March 16th, 2020, locals from east to west are dealing with the effects. There have been work stoppages in all production centers and IATSE offices
across Canada are working with Producers and studios to help mitigate the effects of this crisis on our members. The national office in Toronto and local offices across the country are speaking to the provincial and federal governments to help facilitate Employment Insurance benefits for laid off workers. A link can be found on our 514 web site in for access to EI benefits related to the crisis.
As with all sectors right now, it is impossible to say what the length of stoppages will be on any given project. The IATSE is working closely with all levels of government to ensure the safety of their members, as well as obtaining and providing up to date information on this unprecedented crisis.
Christian Bergeron our business agent and the staff at the 514 office are doing everything they can to help our members through this difficult time. Our website is updated daily with the information coming from the governments and our local is in contact with the producers and studios for the projects that have stopped work for news of possible start up as things change in the world.
Our biggest concern is for all of you and your families to stay safe and remain healthy. Staying home and social distancing will be the only way to curb the tide of the spread of Covid-19.
Please continue to check our website and your emails for further updates as we continue through this unprecedented crisis.
Regards,
Daniel Matthews
President
IATSE 514
COVID-19: Useful links and phone numbers: https://formations.aqtis514iatse.com/en/covid-19-useful-links-and-phone-numbers/
