WGA/SAG-AFTRA STRIKE FAQS

Yes. If you are not currently employed, or if you are and want to join a picket line during non-work hours, you are free and encouraged to do so. If you do so, you are prohibited from making your own picket signs with the IA and/or Local 700 logos. There is to be no indication or representation made by you on behalf of the IA or Local 700. But please get out there with your union t-shirts, caps, etc.

No.

If you are working remotely, the job protections noted above in number 3 will likely not apply as you would not be faced with crossing a picket line in order to get to your worksite. (This would not apply if there were an IA/Local 700-sanctioned strike in which you would be fully expected to comply with your obligations as a member whether remote or not.) 

Your employer is still legally required to arrange and pay for you to return home. The employer is responsible for your housing and per diem until they make arrangements for you to leave for home. This is true whether you are working in the United States or outside the country under the agreement. You will need to take the return trip offer as they will not be required to continue housing you if you refuse the offer. If your employer refuses to get you home or you have a lease or other ongoing obligations that your employment required, please contact us. If you are working on location in Canada, other labor laws apply reading picket lines so please contact us if this is the case. 

If it is due to a direct result of a strike of another labor organization as is the case here, you may be entitled to collect unemployment. If you are replaced, and the production subsequently shuts down, some states may not honor your unemployment claim. States do vary in their unemployment guidelines. If you are in this situation and you file for unemployment and that is denied, please contact us.

WHAT TO DO:

• List yourself as available to work on the MPEG Website: editorsguild.com/Members/My-Profile
   
• Apply for unemployment if eligible. As our union is not on strike, DO NOT mark that you are not working as a result of a strike. You should mark "lack of work" as the reason.
   
• If the program is active and you are eligible, apply for a Dues Waiver.  The deadline to apply is August 1, 2023. Learn more at editorsguild.com/dueswaiver
   
• IF YOU NEED HOURS FOR HEALTHCARE
  If 100 hours or fewer are needed, list yourself on the MPI Hours Alert page    
  editorsguild.com/Member-to-Member/MPI-Hours-Alert
   
• Check your MPI weekly contribution reports against your timecards and paystubs. If you are missing reported hours, please contact askarep@editorsguild.com
  Missing hours could make a difference between qualifying for healthcare, or not!
   
• Additional health contribution hours may be available as a result of time covered on State Disability Insurance (SDI). Contact MPIPHP to verify (855) 275-4674.

SAG-AFTRA has put together a SAG-AFTRA On Strike! page that lists how individuals can show their solidarity and support and includes picket schedules and locations.

The WGA has put together a WGA on Strike page that lists how individuals can show their solidarity and support and includes picket schedules and locations.

Employers can set up a neutral gate with no picket line to allow individuals working on non-struck productions to enter. If the WGA and/or SAG-AFTRA are not striking the production you are working on, you can use a neutral gate to continue going to work. However, if the WGA and/or SAG-AFTRA is on strike on the production you are working on, then you are not permitted to use a neutral gate and must cross the picket line to continue working.

For those experiencing a financial hardship, please visit the Dues Waiver request page.

The MPI Plans health care eligibility is based on working hours and are structured so that participants are earning future qualification based on current work hours being reported or banked hours.  There are various qualifying periods so you should check out your personal situation on the MPI app or website. If you are not working for a long period of time, your health care coverage could be affected. 

We are absolutely in support of the WGA’s and SAF-AFTRA's efforts to secure a fair and equitable contract for their members. But, Local 700 cannot advise members to honor another union’s picket line due to IATSE No Strike clauses.

https://www.sagaftrastrike.org/interim-agreement

The Strike Order extends to productions produced under the Codified Basic and Television Agreements as well as related contracts like the Low Budget Theatrical Agreement, Moderate Low Budget Project Agreement, Ultra Low Budget Project Agreement, and Special New Media Agreements. However, producers that otherwise fall within the scope of the strike order may apply for an interim agreement. Once such applications are vetted and, if approved by SAG-AFTRA, the union offers an Interim Agreement, and the producer accepts it by returning a signed copy. Once that process is complete, performers may render services on that specific production without being in violation of the strike order. 

Projects that have signed the Interim Agreement are listed HERE. This list is updated daily, Monday-Friday. If you don’t see a particular production listed, please contact sagaftrastrike@sagaftra.org to inquire about the status.