A few months ago, I wrote a post about how I was attending some of my union meetings virtually. That post was about learning how some of the union things I attend can be virtual and how it was exciting that I could still be involved even if I couldn’t make it to a meeting in person. I had no clue how relevant that post would become right after I wrote it.
There are not a ton of union meetings right now as the union is focused on essential things such as getting residuals out to members and our current negotiations. The committees I’m a part of can still meeting, but those would be on our own and not through the union. None of the committees I’m on are doing those meetings just yet, but I think that’s because those committees are all about going to events in person and in large groups. Those aren’t happening so we don’t need meetings to discuss upcoming ones or how we can support them.
But I have been a part of virtual meetings with my slate. Those meetings are a bit more of hangouts where we can see each other’s faces over Zoom and a lot of the time is spent checking in with each other. We also go over any news that we should be aware of or that we should make sure other members know. For example, our union dues were just due and I know that some people couldn’t afford them right now. Dues couldn’t be waived completely as the dues go toward paying our staff. But the union did make some accommodations for those who cannot pay. There will be no late fees this dues period if someone cannot pay. We also have an option to pay half of our dues this summer and the other half this fall. I am in a fortunate position and was able to pay my dues as usual, but I know not everyone is in that position. And I’m glad that my union is trying to help with those who cannot pay.
Our union has also been working with politicians a lot to make sure that actors are a part of various relief packages. They worked to make sure anyone who is not a standard employee is included (which I am so grateful for as I am in that category). And I know that some people are saying that actors and performers are not essential and don’t need help, but I think those people are just thinking of celebrities. There are so many performers who work normally but aren’t wealthy. And now that there is no work, they need help. Also, while people are isolating at home, I think most people are enjoying the work that we create. People are watching tv and movies or listening to music. And broadcasters (such as news anchor) are members of SAG-AFTRA as well, and we know that we rely on them for getting us the news and keeping us informed. So making sure the members of our union are included in the help the government is providing is important.
Even though there was a lot of news that we covered in the virtual meetings that we have had, I am most grateful for just feeling like I’m a part of something. I’ve shared how isolated I feel since I live alone and any connection I can get is big. So if that connection is a virtual meeting with people that I love spending time with, then that’s amazing and I am so happy to have it. I just can’t wait until I can see them in person because I appreciate them all even more now!
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