The 79th District 2 Convention, held June 9th–11th in Hawai’i, saw a record turnout with 235 registered delegates in attendance. The Animation Guild delegates submitted resolutions to the assembly. Below are brief summaries of the four TAG-submitted resolutions that were passed.
Resolution to encourage that access, time, and accommodations be provided for expressing breast milk in the workplace.
Many work sites and venues that employ IATSE members do not provide for employees who need to pump/express breast milk. The frequent need to express breast milk, combined with the lack of a designated, accessible, and clean space, often causes stress for affected employees, which can result in health problems including the reduction of breast milk production. On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act), which emphasizes that reasonable break time and non-bathroom space shielded from view be provided for most lactating employees. IATSE District 2 Locals resolve to encourage their employer signatories to provide reasonably sufficient time, easy access, and private space for employees for use while expressing breast milk. In addition, IATSE District 2 Locals shall increase awareness of this issue and commit to making efforts to destigmatize the practice of breast pumping. (This resolution was also submitted by Locals 706 & B192, 720, and 800)
Resolution to expand transgender medical treatments and surgeries covered by health insurance plans in IATSE Collective Bargaining Agreements.
Trans members of our Union are vocal about the hardships they face accessing necessary gender-affirming operations and procedures that protect their livelihoods. They spend countless hours debating with insurance companies who demand exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses for gender-affirming medications, surgeries, and procedures. Many scientific and academic studies show that depression and anxiety decreased for trans people who sought out gender-affirming care, and that gender-affirming therapies improve the mental health of transgender people significantly. Low-cost governmental insurance already covers procedures that private plans do not, and while our leadership has started the task to expand medical coverage for trans people under our health insurance, we encourage them to continue fighting. IATSE District 2 Locals commit to review health plans for their members to endeavor to include coverage for gender-affirming medications, surgeries, and procedures to ensure the most up-to-date World Professional Association for Transgender Health standards of care and to ensure that means of access and information are made readily available and easily accessible.
Resolution to support our LGBTQIA+ members and communities.
Unions are stronger when we refuse to be divided by sex, sexuality, and gender, in the same way we refuse to be divided by race, religion, birthplace, age, culture, or physical and mental ability. Our Union stands with these members in solidarity and has provided outreach to these communities and has in turn been enriched by their many contributions in every corner of IATSE. Committing to defend our LGBTQIA+ members promotes the mission of the Union now and in the future as stated in the IA Equality Statement:
We believe that equality for all is a basic human right and we actively oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. IATSE leaders and members must be vigilant in working, both with each other and with our employers, to promote an equal and welcoming environment for all people, through our actions, attitudes, and language. The IATSE celebrates the diversity of society and is striving to promote and reflect that diversity within this organization.
IATSE District 2 Locals will be encouraged to review their PAC and political contributions to ensure that no current and future donations go toward politicians or groups that negatively target our LGBTQIA+ membership.
Resolution for adoption of comprehensive fertility and adoption benefits for IATSE District 2 members.
Access to fertility treatments can be limited and expensive, and many insurance plans do not cover the full cost of these procedures. Offering fertility benefits can help support diverse family structures, including same-sex couples and single parents by choice, address health disparities, promote work-life balance, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity. Offering fertility benefits can also reduce the stigma and isolation experienced by individuals and couples facing infertility, providing a sense of community and support. In addition, adoption can also be a costly and challenging process for individuals and families, and access to adoption benefits can help support and promote diverse family structures. IATSE District 2 Locals resolve to support the adoption of comprehensive fertility and adoption benefits in the medical plans provided for all members, including coverage for the following:
- In vitro fertilization (IVF), including medications, consultations, monitoring, and embryo transfers.
- Egg and sperm freezing.
- Surrogacy and gestational carrier services.
- Fertility preservation for medical reasons such as cancer treatment.
- Donor egg, sperm, and embryo service.
- Genetic testing and counseling related to fertility and family planning.
- Mental health support for individuals and couples going through fertility treatments.
- Adoption assistance, including reimbursement for agency fees, legal expenses, and travel costs.