IATSE Local 488 Resources for Labor Action

We work with the writers and performers in America’s other motion picture and television unions to create entertainment. None of us can do it without the others.

IATSE Local 488 stands in solidarity with the actors of SAG-AFTRA and the writers of the WGA in their fight with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) for fair contracts, fair use of our skills and images, and fair and equitable compensation for our creative work. It’s a fight we all have to win.

We are vital. We are legion. We are Labor.

UPDATE: Please see the pdf document at the bottom of this page for information about relief for NBF fund participants. In summary:

Health Plan C: Eligible participants currently enrolled in Plan C whose CAPP account balance is not sufficient to cover their current coverage option will not have to copay to remain in coverage for the quarter beginning October 1, 2023. See requirements below.

Annuity Plan: Eligible participants who are not currently working may take a distribution from their Annuity Fund account without the usual 6-month (or 2-month) waiting period. See requirements below.

This preliminary list of resources below will be updated as new information becomes available. They include: 

• ways to support our striking union kin,
• funds and charities for IATSE members to turn to for assistance, financial, medical, mental, and more, as the strikes continue, and
• places to find reliable and up-to-date strike information, including what the unions are specifically fighting for.

If you know of other established resources or ways to help our members and the members of our striking sister unions, please contact any of your 488 officers and Executive Board members.

Also see IATSE's thorough list of resources.

Last updated September 19, 2023.

SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strike Resources and Information

Strike Updates and Information

Please note: there are currently no picket lines in the 488 jurisdiction (OR, WA, MT, ID). See the most up-to-date list for the SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreements here.

WGA Strike Website

SAG-AFTRA Strike Website
The most up-to-date and official strike information will be found on the WGA and SAG-AFTRA Strike websites above, including FAQs for Picket Lines, Picketing Guidelines, and Social Media Guidelines.

SAG-AFTRA One Sheet and Negotiating Points
A quick-reference document of what SAG-AFTRA is fighting for.

IATSE International Website
News and resources for IATSE members

Entertainment Industry Funds & Organizations

Financial, Mental Health, and other Assistance for IATSE Members

Entertainment Community Fund (IATSE Mutual Aid Partner)
ECF (formerly The Actors Fund) offers a broad spectrum of programs, including support groups, online resources, and emergency financial assistance, to support all crew who work in performing arts and entertainment, including below-the-line.

Motion Picture and Television Fund (IATSE Mutual Aid Partner)
MPTF supports working and retired members of the entertainment community with health and social services, including temporary financial assistance, counseling, and help to find additional resources.

Behind the Scenes Foundation
The Behind the Scenes issues grants and connections for entertainment technology professionals who are seriously ill or injured. They are unable to provide financial assistance due to strikes. They also maintain a list of additional resources for both the US and Canada, including suicide prevention hotlines.

The Union Solidarity Coalition Fund
Financial assistance for IATSE and Teamster members who will not qualify for their health insurance next quarter due to strike shutdowns TUSC is partnering with the MPTF (Motion Picture and Television Fund) and its EHIS (Entertainment Health Insurance Solutions).

Local 488 Jurisdiction Assistance (WA, OR, ID, and MT)

Labor’s Community Service Agency (OR and SW WA that work in Oregon)
LCSA's program covers basic needs such as rent, mortgage, utilities (water, sewer, garbage, electricity, natural gas, phone), and food insecurity. Please contact Southern BA Sierra Bay Robinson for a referral.

September 2023 Update: referrals have outpaced funding. For a limited time, they will prioritize serving those with the greatest need. Until further notice, they will only be able to serve members who:

• Have received a 10-day notice for eviction; or

• Are unhoused; or

• Require emergency relocation assistance due to domestic violence; or

• Have a disconnect/shut off notice from their utility (electricity, water, or gas) company

Foundation for Working Families (WA)
A non-profit organization established by the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and its affiliates to assist union families in Washington state in times of hardship or disaster.

Los Angeles Area and SAG-AFTRA/WGA Specific Funds

If you are able to do so, please consider donating to one of the resources below:

The Snacklist (Democratic Socialists of America)
Funds raised through DSA's The Snacklist are being used to deliver hot coffee, cold drinks, food, snacks, and other necessities to strikers in the Los Angeles area.

Groceries for Writers (Humanitas)
This provides staff writers and other early-career WGA members with $100 grocery gift cards.

Other Mutual Aid Funds
This Google Doc is updated as new funds pop up.

Discounts and Deals for Union Members

Union Plus
A nonprofit organization founded by the AFL-CIO to provide consumer benefit programs exclusively to union members. Discounts for a wide variety of things and hardship assistance are available.

More Actions to Take…

Sign the AFL-CIO Petition to stand with the WGA

Contact AMPTP and let them know what you think!

15301 Ventura Blvd., Building E
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

818-995-3600