The Return to Work Agreement between AMPTP, SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE, Teamsters and Basic Craft expired Sept. 30th, and was replaced with a continuation of negotiations. What does this mean for Productions moving forward?

While the new Return to Work Agreement was slated to be released on the 30th, it will remain in place until a “new agreement” is reached. That means that the perspective put forth in the original agreement stands; “The parties agree that preventing the spread of COVID-19 and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment is of utmost importance… The Producers will implement COVID-19 health and safety protocols and procedures carefully crafted to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.”

That means:

  • Employees must be tested using an approved test within 48 hours of their employment start, as well as travel specific testing. 
  • ‘Zones’ (or pods) must be designated and adhered to throughout the production process. 
  • PPE must be provided and used by appropriate zones, and employees within them. 
  • Health Assessment Surveys and Contact Tracing must be completed by production. 
  • Productions must supply Covid Compliance Staff

While the landscape of productions is certainly ripe for an update, the unions that represent the majority of employees working the productions have chosen to maintain the status quo. While it may seem that COVID is in its sunset (thank goodness), it has not been completely erased. Precautions, and mandates are still enforced in many industries due largely to the lost time concern and the expenses that may be incurred to production with employee illness.

IPAC Productions began as a service provider protecting Dental Practices, Long Term Care facilities and as Consultants in the Construction of Healthcare Facilities long before COVID. We are experts in navigating uncertainty; protecting multiple industries against lost time while managing developing policies and mandates.

IPAC Productions offers Health & Safety Programs like Location / Risk Assessments, Audits, Training Support, Stunt and Special Effect Safety, Construction Safety, Cleaning and Disinfection. We also provide Medics, COVID Testing & Compliance.

We’re trusted by banner clients like Netflix, Paramount, Amazon Studios, Viacom CBS and more to manage productions ranging in scale from blockbuster films and episodic content to reality television and independent projects. We’d be happy to help with whatever your upcoming production may need, to make a safer set with no loss time due to illness.