WHY? All full-time working producers should have access to company and/or industry-supported healthcare because producing is a job.

In 1985, after the PGA was prohibited from becoming a labor union under the NLRA, Guild leadership negotiated with the AMPTP to secure MPI health and pension benefits for bona fide producers on qualifying productions. That agreement (now referred to as the “Non-Affiliate Agreement”) was expanded in 1997 to include a broader range of producers. Since then, AMPTP signatory companies that are signed to the Non-Affiliate Agreement have been obligated to make health insurance contributions for eligible producers on qualifying productions.

In February 2024, the PGA launched its Healthcare Initiative to take our efforts a step further.

WHAT? We are asking all studios and productions companies to pledge to support healthcare as follows¹:

1. Motion Picture Industry Pension & Health Plan Contributions - If your company is not a signatory to the AMPTP, we encourage you to make MPIPHP contributions for producers where the production is a signatory to the IA Basic Agreement and the Non-Affiliate Agreement and all other requirements² are met. Please see the PGA’s FAQs regarding MPIPHP for more information (https://producersguild.org/healthcare-options/).

2. A company-sponsored health insurance plan – Provide company-sponsored health insurance (partnership with a professional employer organization may provide broader health insurance options).

3. Direct Contributions - For qualified producers who do not have health coverage through a company-sponsored plan, MPIPHP or a separate union, production companies can earmark direct payments for eligible producers in their production budgets to be used towards purchase of a health insurance plan (suggested rate of at least $3.33/hour/producer).

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

• MPIPHP Contributions – Producers who meet all MPIPHP requirements
• Company-Sponsored Plan – See the terms of the plan as they apply to producers on your productions
• Direct Contributions – Producers with a production credit recognized by PGA who:
  • do not already have health coverage through a company-sponsored plan, MPIPHP, or a separate union (like the DGA or IATSE); and
  • are working on a project full-time

WHEN? The time to act is now! Producers deserve to work in an industry that not only rewards hard work but also provides support for essential benefits like healthcare. Help us foster an industry that we can be proud to share with the next generation of producers!

HOW? Please reach out to us at nationalexecutivedirector@producersguild.org to pledge your support of our initiative, schedule a follow-up conversation, and get your questions answered!

 

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_{¹Please note that PGA does not represent any producer group or individual producer in connection with any agreements your company may negotiate with producers who work on your projects. PGA is advocating for qualified producers to receive health benefits and supports the efforts of all producers to seek the inclusion of health benefits in their agreements on terms to be negotiated and determined between such producer(s) and your company.}

_{²This information is based upon MPIPHP materials and Guild member experiences and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. MPIPHP rates may vary and/or differ depending on the size or type of employer. Please make sure to consult with legal counsel and/or MPI to determine whether and for whom your company is obligated to provide health insurance through the MPIPHP and the applicable rate/producer.}