More than 120,000 Union Jobs May Be Lost in Hollywood Due to Coronavirus Concerns

LOS ANGELES - More than 120,000 union jobs in films and television are estimated to have already been lost since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, according to the International Cinematographers Guild (Local 600) and Motion Picture Editors Guild (Local 700) sent out to members, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

In a message sent to its members on Wednesday, MPEG national executive director Cathy Repola wrote that The international Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees or IATSE, "has been successful at securing a standardized two weeks of pay from our more responsible employers. The IA intends to address those employers who are not following suit."

The ICG letter sent by its leadership wrote that "although some of our members are being paid for up to two weeks after their shows shut down, based upon the reality of the health care crisis we now face, it is highly unlikely that productions will resume after so short a period of time. This problem is likely to continue for months, not weeks, and our concerns about health, benefits and economic stability are shared by the entire membership."

The guild also noted that its benefit plans "currently have months of reserves and are not threatened at this moment."

Both letters also noted that the Motion Picture and Television Fund and The Actor’s Fund are prepared to provide financial assistance. IATSE announced on Tuesday that $2.5 million in new charitable donations were given to both groups, as well as to the Actors Fund of Canada.

But the unions warned that the funding may not meet the need.