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Latest Updates

Please scroll down for details of help and services available from IATSE Local 891, the federal and provincial governments, and other organizations. Click on the links to the right for more useful information.

BC COVID-19 Pandemic Production Guide released

The BC Motion Picture Industry Covid-19 Best Practices Coalition has produced a COVID-19 Pandemic Production Guide. This living document was produced by industry stakeholders and subject matter experts from all motion picture crafts. It is intended to support the assessment and management of COVID-19 risk in all types of production, and to assist employers in developing their own COVID-19 safety plans. Read it here.

JULY 6 - RETURN TO PRODUCTION FAQs

What's being done to ensure that the BC film industry can safely resume. Click here.

JUNE 16 - CERB EXTENDED FOR 8 WEEKS

The Canadian government has announced that CERB claims will be extended for 8 weeks. More details to follow.

Nov. 26 – Presidents update

VIDEO FAQs - YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS MEMBERS MOST OFTEN ASK.

Send your questions to info@iatse.com

IATSE President Keith Woods explains how members can access their CEIRP investments. Watch here.

IATSE Business Representative Phil Klapwyk clarifies how to get your Record of Employment and who actually is "the Employer". Watch here.

IATSE Senior Steward Amanda Bronswyk explains how the Steward's office is here to help during COVID-19. She also describes some other sources of support, and sets us all a challenge! Watch here.

SOURCES OF SUPPORT

HELP FROM IATSE LOCAL 891 AND UNION BENEFITS

A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT KEITH WOODS

Check out the message from President Keith Woods as we keep our sets, our families and friends safe while working. [LINK]

SAFETY AT WORK

As we continue to work during these times and we strive to keep everyone safe and the industry open we've prepared a simple guide on your right to refuse unsafe work. Check it out here.

DAYCOUNTS AND DUES TAX RECEIPTS

You can download your dues receipts and day counts here. [member login required]

TRAINING REIMBURSEMENT DEADLINE

The deadline for reimbursement for approved software purchases/leases/subscriptions, and training taken in the 4th quarter 2020, is January 15th, 2021.  Please email a copy of your receipt and course certificate and/or proof of training to training@iatse.com.  

 

IATSE PRIDE TOWN HALLS

IATSE Pride believes that physical isolation does not have to equal social isolation and has created a space for our LBGTQ+ community and allies to meet and celebrate virtually. Check out videos, upcoming events and lots of resources here.

HEALTH BENEFITS

YOUR HEALTH BENEFIT QUESTIONS ANSWERED

If you have questions about your Benefits of Film Active Health Plan or the 60+ Plan, email benefitsoffilm@iatse.com or call 604-664-8914.

MAKING HEALTH AND DENTAL CLAIMS

Read Canada Life's latest update on making health and dental claims during COVID-19. Read it here.

EMPLOYEE AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

If you are experiencing anxiety or other mental health issues, please contact the free counselling and support available to all union members and their family members through the Employee and Family Support Program (FSEAP). The core services, such as our EFAP 24/7 crisis line, intake services, counselling, work/life consultation services, workplace management consultation service, are all available to be delivered by phone or video.

The EFAP also provides a wide array of other advice services including financial counselling, work and career advice, addiction support, legal consultation etc. Learn more here.

CEIRP RRSPS

ACCESS TO CEIRP RRSP INVESTMENTS

There are two sources for RRSP contributions:

  • Employer Mandatory contributions that are contractually paid into CEIRP by productions on your behalf and designated ‘restricted access’ until age 55.
  • Member Voluntary contributions, which are fully accessible at any time, without restriction.

CEIRP’s policy is initiated and upheld by the National Retirement Committee, independent of Local 891’s participation in the Plan. Should the Canadian government create policy to enable access to restricted RRSP assets, the Committee will send an email to all Plan members advising of any changes and IATSE Local 891 to will also let members know.

If you need Plan information, contact Vickie Nevitt, our RSP Administrator directly at 604-664-8935, or email rrsp@iatse.com

 

TRAINING

FREE ACCESS TO LINKEDIN LEARNING FOR MEMBERS

During this time of staying home, consider developing your creative and software skills and honing your supervisory, business and management skills. IATSE Local 891 members have free access to a vast number of free learning opportunities at LinkedIn Learning. It's free to sign up courtesy of IATSE. Learn more here.

HELP WITH WORKSAFEBC CLAIMS

WorkSafeCB has stated that there will be no disruption to claims and benefits during the COVID-19 crisis. However, if WCB attempts to conclude your wage loss or vocational rehabilitation benefits during this time, or if you have other WorkSafeBC questions, contact Michael Chen, the Local's OH&S rep. 604-306-3240, or email worksafeclaims@iatse.com.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE

MORE HELP FOR SENIORS

The Canadian government has increased the financial supports available to people who receive Old Age Security and/or Guaranteed Income Supplement. If you are included in that group, click here for more information.

CANADIAN EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT

If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) has ended. You can find out more about the expanded Employment Insurance programme here.

OBTAINING YOUR RECORD OF EMPLOYMENT

You can request your ROE from either Cast and Crew or EP Canada. You may need to contact both companies – check your paystubs. Your ROE may have already been uploaded to the Service Canada website. You need to have set up an account to check.

  • Cast and Crew – 604-437-6363 info_vancouver@castandcrew.com
  • EP Canada - 604-987-2292

HOT TIP:

If you don't have a "My Account" set up with the Canada Revenue Agency, do it now! It could mean quicker access to the CERB and other benefits. Learn how here.

ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESSES

BUSINESS RENT ASSISTANCE AND LOANS

The Canadian government has announced new business rent assistance and loosened loan qualifications for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here.

CANADA EMERGENCY WAGE SUBSIDY (CEWS)

If you are a Canadian employer whose business has been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages for up to 12 weeks, retroactive from March 15, 2020, to June 6, 2020. Learn more.

CANADIAN EMERGENCY STUDENT BENEFIT

The Canadian government has just announced a new benefit -- The Canada Emergency Student Benefit, that will provide $1,250 per month to students and new graduates who are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. For more details about this benefit and other support for students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT BENEFITS

BC EMERGENCY RECOVERY BENEFIT

Families with incomes under $125,000 will be eligible to receive $1,000 and families earning up to $175,000 will qualify for a reduced amount. Single-parent families also qualify for these benefit amounts Single people earning less than $62,500 qualify for a $500 payment and individuals earning up to $87,500 will qualify for a reduced amount. You can apply from Dec. 18. More information here

BC INTRODUCES MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS

BC seniors, adults, youth and frontline health care workers experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic can get help through virtual services. Learn more.

NON-HEALTH RELATED COVID-19 HELPLINE

The BC government has created a helpline at 1-888-COVID-19 (1-888-268-4319) to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about COVID-19. This includes the latest information on travel recommendations and social distancing, as well as access to support and resources from the provincial and federal governments.

HELP WITH UTILTITIES AND OTHER EXPENSES

ICBC PAYMENTS

People who need more time to pay their bill can apply to payment deferral programs at ICBC. ICBC is extending deferrals to up to 90 days. Learn more here.

HOW TO GET FINANCIAL HELP FROM THE AFC

The AFC helps Canadian entertainment professionals with short term, emergency financial assistance. Check out this helpful guide on eligibility and how to apply. Read here

EMOTIONAL AND COUNSELLING SUPPORT

EMPLOYEE AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

If you are experiencing anxiety or other mental health issues, please contact the free counselling and support available to all union members and their family members through the Employee and Family Support Program (FSEAP). The core services, such as our EAP 24/7 crisis line, intake services, counselling, work/life consultation services, workplace management consultation service, are all available to be delivered by phone or video.

The EFAP also provides a wide array of other advice services including financial counselling, work and career advice, addiction support, legal consultation etc. Learn more here.

CALLTIME MENTAL HEALTH - FILM INDUSTRY RESOURCES

In times of worry and uncertainty, it’s normal to feel stress and anxiety. The film industry has a project dedicated to promoting mental health for industry workers. You can learn more about support available here.

HELP FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DURING COVID-19

Being isolated at home is a dangerous situation for people experiencing, or in fear of violence. If you, or someone your know needs help, please reach to any of the following services:

A CONVERSATION ON SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

You can view a video and transcript of an online conversation hosted by the BC Federation of Labour on sexual and domestic violence during COVID-19
here. Some of the content may be upsetting for people touched by sexual or domestic violence.

IATSE CARES PROGRAM

IATSE International has launched C.A.R.E.S., a program to help the most vulnerable IATSE sisters and brothers across North America. There will be a “Buddy System”, where members in need may request that a volunteer call them as frequently as they need. It also establishes a delivery system where members in need can have a trusted volunteer deliver groceries, prescriptions, etc. within 72 hours. For this to work, volunteers are needed. Sign up here.