The Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans (MPIPHP) is stepping in to offer health insurance eligibility assistance to workers in the entertainment industry amid ongoing strikes. The MPIPHP provides benefits to a significant number of union members in the business, and with two strikes having essentially shut down scripted union production in the U.S. since May, many workers have been struggling to meet the necessary criteria for maintaining their benefits.
Typically, union members who are participants of the Plan must work at least 400 hours in a six-month period to remain eligible for health insurance. However, the strikes have made it challenging for many workers to accumulate the required hours. To address this issue, the MPIPHP is granting additional qualifying hours to certain industry workers, allowing them to maintain their eligibility. Depending on the qualifying period that applies to them, workers will receive up to 201 credited hours to qualify for health insurance.
In order to qualify for the assistance, workers must be enrolled in the Plan prior to their benefit period and pay health premiums. The MPI is currently in the process of identifying eligible participants and implementing the credit of hours. Workers who are eligible will receive a letter informing them of the hours that have been credited. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on union members who have been affected by the work stoppages.
In addition to the eligibility assistance, the MPI is also allowing members to make a single “hardship withdrawal” from their defined contribution retirement plan starting September 1. Participants can withdraw up to 20 percent of their 2022 account balance, with a maximum limit of $20,000. The offer for the onetime withdrawal will expire on December 31, 2023. This withdrawal option provides a way for union members to access funds during the strike period to help cover their financial needs.
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The MPIPHP’s board consists of representatives from both the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and labor unions whose members participate in the Plans. The board includes individuals such as AMPTP president Carol Lombardini, HBO’s evp labor relations and chief labor counsel Natasha Shum, Teamsters Local 399 secretary-treasurer Lindsay Dougherty, and IATSE vp and director of the motion picture and TV department Mike Miller. This balanced representation ensures that the interests of both the employers and the workers are taken into account when making decisions regarding benefits and assistance.
The MPI’s efforts to provide assistance to entertainment workers affected by the strike align with similar initiatives from other unions and organizations in the industry. Both IATSE and the Teamsters unions have launched financial aid initiatives for their members during the work stoppages. The Entertainment Community Fund, a nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting the entertainment workforce, has also reported a significant increase in calls for assistance since the strikes began. These various programs and initiatives aim to alleviate the financial strain on workers in the industry and ensure they have access to the support they need during this challenging time.
In conclusion, the Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plans is providing health insurance eligibility assistance to workers in the entertainment industry who have been affected by the ongoing strikes. This assistance includes granting additional qualifying hours and allowing a hardship withdrawal from the defined contribution retirement plan. These measures aim to support union members in maintaining their benefits and accessing financial resources during the work stoppages. The MPI’s efforts align with similar initiatives from other unions and organizations in the industry, all aimed at providing assistance and support to workers in need.
