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The DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, Teamsters and the Hollywood Basic Crafts Announce Return to Work Agreement Extended Through July 15, 2022

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Hollywood’s unions have agreed to extend the film and TV industry’s current Covid safety protocols until a new agreement can be reached with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers. The extension, which is through July 15, 2022, was agreed to by the DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, the Teamsters and the Basic Crafts.

The new agreement creates a more flexible set of protocols for areas of the United States and Canada with low COVID hospital admissions, while maintaining core elements to keep sets safe. The modifications apply only to areas that have confirmed low Covid hospital admissions, leaving largely in place the requirements for areas experiencing surging admission rates. These new workplace practices apply to both vaccinated and unvaccinated cast and crew.

The new agreement, which can be found here


Testing Protocols are as follows:

  • Pre-employment testing is still required of all crews, but with modifications to the types of tests allowed.
    • Producer may now choose to use either PCR, rapid test, agreed upon antigen test or LAMP molecular test. However, if antigen test is used for preemployment testing, the Producer must test the prospective employee three times prior to the start of employment.
    • Testing will still be required on an ongoing weekly basis during production for Zones A and B, but reduced in frequency.
    • Zones C and D do not require testing beyond pre-employment.
  • Masking will not be required in most settings, with the specific exception of shuttle vans.
  • Additional modifications include flexibility on meal service and rules related to transportation.

The following current agreement conditions remain in place:

  • Vaccination: The new agreement continues to allow employers to mandate that employees in Zone A be “up to date” on their vaccinations, including a booster.
  • Covid Compliance Supervisor: Hiring of a dedicated COVID-19 compliance supervisor responsible for safety compliance and enforcement, who will be accessible to cast and crew at all times during working hours.
  • Quarantine Pay and Sick Leave: All employees will continue to receive 10 days of COVID-19 paid sick leave, and the leave can be used for any of the eligible COVID-19 events (e.g. testing positive, exhibiting symptoms, isolation or self-quarantines, or when a member of their household tests positive for COVID-19).

The agreement allows employers to impose more stringent requirements regarding masking and testing as the production circumstances require.

First enacted in September 2020 after a months-long production shutdown, the Covid-19 Safety Agreement is the outcome of unprecedented coordination and solidarity between the unions and collaboration with Employers to develop science-based protocols that minimize the risk of Covid-19 virus transmission in the industry’s unique work environments. Since that time, the protocols have driven a successful rebound of film and television production while prioritizing safety for casts, crews and all on-set workers.

To schedule an appointment at QuickMed or to learn more about our TV and film production services please book an appointment or call us today

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