NBCUniversal Extends Health Benefits for Nonunion Crew During Ongoing Double Strike
Amid the ongoing strikes led by the Writers’ Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA, NBCUniversal has taken a significant step to support its nonunion crew members working on Universal Studio Group productions. Approximately 100 affected employees on unionized shows will now have their health insurance coverage extended, with benefits guaranteed until they resume work on a USG production or until the end of the year, whichever comes first. Initially set to expire on August 31st, this extension provides crucial reassurance to the impacted workers.
Likewise, CBS Studios, known for offering nonunion staff between four to eight weeks of coverage after production wraps, extends the range to 13 weeks for nonunion crew members working on union shows affected by the ongoing strikes.
Similarly, Warner Bros. Television offers non-union employees the remainder of the month they are laid off, along with an additional month of COBRA coverage paid by the company for those who choose to participate. Following this period, employees can continue their coverage but will be responsible for the COBRA payments themselves.
This action comes amidst a prolonged halt in Hollywood productions in its fifth month. The WGA strike commenced on May 2nd, followed by the SAG-AFTRA strike on July 14th.
Professional nonunion members seeking financial assistance can turn to the Entertainment Community Fund for support. The fund will require them to provide proof of employment.
As of August 18th, the fund has disbursed over $4.7 million to over 2,300 film and TV workers. Due to the increased demand for emergency assistance from the work stoppage, the fund currently distributes approximately $400,000-$500,000 per week, a notable rise from an average of $75,000 per week in the first half of 2023. The highest number of applications for financial aid hails from California, followed by Atlanta and New York.
