March 18, 2020 - Equity understands that our members are experiencing the financial brunt of COVID-19 production and contract cancellations. In addition to our advocacy for financial support from government for the membership, we want to take tangible steps to assist members directly in this difficult time.
Basic Dues
Equity is introducing some immediate measures that we believe will help members during this period. Effective immediately we will:
- Delay the May 1 basic dues billing until June or until the many states of emergency have been lifted
- Reduce the basic dues by $15 for every month until the many states of emergency have been lifted
- Reach out to all artists currently in the process of joining to put their plans on hold and therefore delay the payment of initiation fees
- Extend the duration of initiation permit credits/ apprentice credits that would otherwise expire
Questions regarding basic dues may be sent by email (only) to membership@caea.com.
Weekly Disability Insurance
Members have written asking if Equity's insurance plan offers wage replacement for this situation. Unfortunately it does not. The weekly disability insurance only covers members who are unable to fulfil the terms of their contract due to accident or illness and unfortunately this does not apply to the pandemic.
Association Finances
The COVID-19 pandemic will definitely have a negative impact on the Association’s finances. We are anticipating revenue to be down by approximately $250K a month for the duration of the pandemic, and we anticipate that it will also take a long time for revenue to return to previous levels once the situation is over. Fortunately, Equity has a healthy reserve fund that will help us maintain essential services during this period. We are also looking at ways to reduce our costs as much as possible while supporting the membership and our staff during these uncertain times.