Statement from President Susan Phillips - March 13, 2020

Brothers & Sisters,

We want to report to you on the Coronavirus pandemic and how it is affecting our work for the next few weeks. IATSE Locals nationwide are feeling this blow to our industry and we are all trying to manage thru these difficult times. The Local has had over 50 shows cancel to date going as far out as early April. Shows that have cancelled with the highest impact are Michael Bublé, Hamilton and Disney On Ice.

The International and the Local understand how the burden of these cancellations will affect our income. The IATSE National Benefit Funds has allowed hardship withdrawals from your Annuity account for lost work or if you have had other losses or expenses due to the virus. Information can be found at the IATSE National Benefit Funds website at iatsenbf.org.

International President Mathew D. Loeb has called on Congress to pass a relief package that includes entertainment workers: https://www.iatse.net/news/iatse-president-calls-congress-pass-relief-package-includes-displaced-entertainment-workers. In President Loeb’s message he asked that the government enact a special emergency paid leave benefit geared to include IATSE Members.

Jenifer Michel will be in the Local 115 office to assist any member or extra in navigating the process for filing a Florida Unemployment claim or assistance thru the Florida Department of Children and Families.

If you are in arrears in your financial obligation to the Local, please reach out to Secretary-Treasurer Bruce Hudgens at bhudgens@iatse-115.com to discuss. Due to these circumstances the Local will not expel any member during the first or second quarter of 2020. Late fees associated with fines, and hiring hall fees will not be assessed. The Hiring Hall will close and applications to join will be suspended.

We have asked the members of the Education Committee to use the next couple of weeks and the time available to hold training sessions on different areas of our craft.

We hope we can all get back to work very soon. We also hope that you and your families stay safe and follow the recommended guidelines set forth by the CDC.

On behalf of the Executive Board of IATSE Local 115,

Susan Phillips, President

IATSE Local 115 Coronavirus Statement 3-14-20.pdf