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The next ACFC West General Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at the Executive Hotel, located at 4201 Lougheed Highway in Burnaby.

Attached is the General Meeting notice for all Members and includes the nomination form for the Executive Board. Nominations for election at the 2024 Annual General Meeting for the 2024 term of office (2 years) can be made for one position per nomination form.

We have emailed the General Meeting notice to all Members which includes the nomination form for the Executive Board. The positions available for nomination are President, Secretary/Treasurer, and two (2) individual Members at Large. Nominations will be accepted by mail or hand delivered to the ACFC West, Local 2020 Unifor office by Friday, February 23, 2024 at 5:00pm. You may also scan the completed nomination form to info@acfcwest.com. Nominations will not be accepted at any other time. 

Members attending the General Meeting on Sunday, February 25, 2024, have a chance to win a cash prize of $500!

Additionally, Members who are travelling from out-of-town (such as Vancouver Island or the Okanagan) to attend the General Meeting may be eligible for a travel allowance to cover some travel costs. Reasonable travel expenses up to a total of $200 can be reimbursed by submitting ORIGINAL receipts to the ACFC West office.

Parking: Leave your license number at the hotel front desk for complimentary parking.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Nicole in the ACFC West office at (604) 299-ACFC (2232) or email info@acfcwest.com.

PDF of General Meeting Notice

PDF of Executive Board Nomination Form

TO:
Carriers and drivers operating within the Motion Picture Industry (MPI) in B.C. Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) Law Enforcement Agencies

Purpose of Circular:
To advise that effective January 2, 2024, the Director, Commercial Vehicle Safety, has updated the exemption previously issued under Compliance Circular 02-2019 under Motor Vehicle Act Regulations (MVAR) 37.23 to implement the following hours of service rules for commercial motor vehicles providing transportation of persons or property to or from a motion picture production site.

While these vehicles will be exempt from specific portions of Parts 4 to 8 of MVAR Division 37, there are substituted requirements to ensure that drivers are not operating while fatigued and public safety remains a priority.

The substituted requirements may be amended by the Director upon reasonable notice to industry. Any amendments will be published as an update to this circular.

Background
On April 2, 2019, following three years of discussions with a working group composed of representatives from CVSE, the MPI and CreativeBC (formerly the B.C. Film Commission), the Director issued Compliance Circular #02-2019 to implement an hours of service (HOS) pilot project for commercial motor vehicles providing transportation of persons or property to or from a motion picture production site under MVAR 37.23. While originally planned to be a two-year pilot, the pilot was extended as a result of the interruptions and challenges faced during the pandemic.

Following further discussions with the working group and a review of industry’s compliance with the modified requirements, CVSE has concluded that, with some minor modifications, the MPI HOS Pilot Project has been successful and is no longer considered a pilot project.
CVSE recognizes the extraordinary efforts all parts of the motion picture industry have invested in shifting practices and educating all parties to ensure that HOS requirements are considered, and road safety is given priority. The pilot allowed the working group to refine the requirements to ensure understanding and address challenges that were not initially identified. The modified substituted requirements below reflect that learning. This circular also contains the clarification regarding off-duty time for the MPI that was previously provided in NSC Bulletin # 01-18.

The working group will be continuing their work in relation to other areas covered by MVAR Division 37.

Application
The MPI Hours of Service Rules (MPI Rules) are only applicable within the province of B.C. for commercial motor vehicles providing transportation of persons or property to or from a motion picture production site.

The exemption is issued subject to the following conditions and with the following substituted requirements as allowed under MVAR 37.23.

Conditions
In order to operate under this exemption, the production company or studio responsible for the production must comply with all duties and responsibilities of the carrier, regardless of what NSC certificate is displayed on a vehicle’s registration documents. The carrier has overall responsibility for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the MPI Rules for all drivers operating on behalf of the production.

Drivers who operate under this exemption and also operate commercial motor vehicles for purposes unrelated to a motion picture production site must ensure that they will be in compliance with all applicable requirements under MVAR Division 37, Parts 4-8 including daily, cycle and workshift limits when they return to operating a commercial motor vehicle that is not covered under this exemption.

Commercial motor vehicles transporting of persons or property to or from a motion picture production site are exempt from MVAR 37.24 through 37.27, and 37.34 through 37.38 as these requirements are replaced by the substituted requirements defined below. All other requirements under MVAR Division 37, Parts 4-8 remain in force.

Substituted Requirements
1. Definitions
Day: Despite MVAR 37.01, when operating under MPI Rules, a day means a calendar day (i.e. midnight to midnight).

MPI workshift: The driving and on-duty period which occurs between two periods of at least 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time.

2. Minimum off-duty hours per day
A driver must have at least 8 hours off-duty time in addition to following the break requirements defined in the MPI Rules requirement 3. These 8 hours do not have to be consecutive.

3. Break requirements
A driver must not drive if more than 6 hours have passed since the end of the driver’s last off duty period of at least 30 minutes. The driver must take at least 30 minutes of off-duty time before driving again.

4. Maximum on-duty hours per MPI workshift
A driver must not drive after accumulating 15 hours (may be non-consecutive) of on-duty time during the driver’s current MPI workshift. The driver must take at least 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time before driving again.

5. Maximum driving time after coming on duty
A driver must not drive after accumulating 11 hours of driving time during the driver’s current MPI workshift. The driver must take at least 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time before driving again.

6. Maximum on-duty time in a cycle
A driver must not drive after accumulating 85 hours of on-duty time during any period of 7 days.

7. Maximum driving time in a cycle
A driver must not drive after accumulating 60 hours of driving time during any period of 7 days.

8. Mandatory off-duty time to limit consecutive work days
A driver must not drive if the driver has not taken either:
a) 24 consecutive hours of off-duty time in 8 days, or
b) 36 consecutive hours of off-duty time in 14 days.

If a driver has not taken at least 24 consecutive hours of off-duty time within 8 days, the driver must take at least 36 hours of off-duty time in 14 days in order to remain in compliance.

9. Reset requirement
A driver may end their current cycle and begin a new cycle if the driver takes at least 48 consecutive hours of off-duty time.

10. Records of duty status
Whether or not the requirements of 37.28 are met by the carrier and the driver, a driver operating under this exemption is required to record hours using a graph grid (paper or electronic) that is compliant with MVAR 37.48 and Schedule 2.

A carrier must require every driver to fill out and every driver must fill out a record of duty status each day that accounts for all of the driver’s on-duty time and off-duty time for that day.

For clarity, this includes days when the driver is off-duty for 24 consecutive hours. Two or more consecutive days off-duty may be recorded on one record of duty status by noting the date range on the record of duty status.

A carrier may choose to modify the graph grid to remove “Off-duty time when spent in a sleeper berth”.

A driver must indicate “Operating under MPI Rules” in the “Remarks” section of the record of duty status.

11. Clarification of off-duty definition
When a driver is legitimately both required to be available to work and waiting to be assigned work, if there is a reasonable assumption that the driver has at least 30 minutes before they are likely to be assigned unscheduled work, that time may be logged as off-duty and would then count towards their break requirement under requirement 3.

If the off-duty time is at least 8 consecutive hours, it may also meet the requirements to reset the driver’s workshift under requirements 4 and 5.

If the driver needs to complete any work for any carrier prior to the completion of at least 30 minutes off-duty, then, while the time was correctly logged as off-duty, it would not count towards the break requirement.

Appendix A contains additional information regarding this clarification, including common misconceptions and examples based on MPI vehicle types.

12. Deferrals
Despite MVAR 37.27, a driver operating under this exemption must not defer off-duty time.

13. Use of sleeper berth
Despite MVAR 37.32 and 37.33, a driver operating under this exemption must not split the mandatory 8 consecutive off-duty hours.

14. Recording periods of driving interspersed by short periods of other on-duty time (aka bundling)
Regardless of MVAR 37.48 (5), a driver operating under the MPI rules may only combine periods of driving interrupted by short periods of other on-duty time under the following circumstances:
• Periods of driving interspersed by short periods (less than 30 minutes) of on-duty (not driving) time are combined and logged as driving time to simplify the completion of the graph grid.
• Periods of on-duty time that are anticipated to be at least 30 minutes should be logged as on-duty time to avoid inflating a driver’s driving hours.
• Periods of driving time or on-duty time must not be bundled into off-duty time.

15. Emergencies and adverse driving conditions
For clarity, the reference under MVAR 37.17 (1) to “the requirements of this Part” should be understood to mean “the requirements of the MPI Rules” as these are the substituted requirements that replace the relevant sections.

The section references under MVAR 37.17 (2) are understood as follows:
• Section 37.24 – Requirements 4 and 5 under the MPI Rules
• Section 37.25 – Requirements 4 and 5 under the MPI Rules
• Section 37.26 (3) – Requirement 3 under the MPI Rules

As such, a driver operating under the MPI Rules who encounters adverse driving conditions, as defined in MVAR 37.01, may:
a) extend the permitted 11 hours of driving time in requirement 5, and the 15 hours of on-duty time in requirement 4, by the amount of time needed to complete the trip, and
b) omit the break requirement in requirement 3, if
(i) the driving, on-duty time and MPI workshift is not extended more than 2 hours
(ii) the driver still take the required 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time, and
(iii) the trip could have been completed under normal driving conditions without the reduction.

As required under MVAR 37.17 (3), a driver using either of these allowances must record the reason for doing so in the record of duty status.

For further information regarding on this exemption and the substituted requirements, please contact the NSC program office at NSC@gov.bc.ca or 250-952-0576 and advise that your question is related to the MPI Rules.

Samantha Eburne
Director
Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement

Hours of Service Notice PDF

The next ACFC West General Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at the Executive Hotel, located at 4201 Lougheed Highway in Burnaby.

Members attending the General Meeting on Sunday, November 26, 2023, have a chance to win a cash prize of $500!

Additionally, Members who are travelling from out-of-town (such as Vancouver Island or the Okanagan) to attend the General Meeting may be eligible for a travel allowance to cover some travel costs. Reasonable travel expenses up to a total of $200 can be reimbursed by submitting ORIGINAL receipts to the ACFC West office.

Parking: Leave your license number at the hotel front desk for complimentary parking.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Nicole in the ACFC West office at (604) 299-ACFC (2232) or email administrator@acfcwest.com.

PDF of General Meeting Notice

Dear Members:

RE: Cumulative Local Effect of WGA / SAG-AFTRA strikes

Due to the unprecedented circumstances originating in the United States that have affected film and television production in British Columbia, the Executive and Council of ACFC West, Local 2020 Unifor has approved the following in respect of annual dues:

Annual dues for the 2024 dues year will be held in abeyance for any Member
in Good Standing as of September 24, 2023. The abeyance period will last
until October 1st, 2024, whereupon those annual dues will be payable. Any
Member in Good Standing as of September 24, 2023, who has already paid
2024 annual dues may request the return of those funds.

The 1-year relief granted in this policy is designed around the expectation
that the industry will stabilize once the Labour Relations issues in the United
States are resolved and Technicians will have had an opportunity to generate
income through spring and summer, 2024.

Given the recent news of a tentative agreement between the WGA and the AMPTP, we are hopeful that a speedy resolution to the SAGAFTRA strike will follow. Thereafter, a return of service productions to British Columbia is anticipated.

Sincerely,
Daryl Litke BA BEd TTEd
Business Manager / Agent

ACFC West, Local 2020 Unifor
Tel: (604) 299 – ACFC (2232)
EMAIL: daryllitke@acfcwest.com

PDF of Annual Dues Relief Notice

Concussion Awareness, Response, and Management Pathway

Here is the recently updated Motion Picture Concussion Pathway.

It is current to the most recent medical updates as per the 2022 Amsterdam Consensus on Concussions in Sport – the world’s medical leaders when it comes to concussions and medical best practices. This was designed and released by BC Injury research and prevention unit.

PDF of Concussion Awareness Training Tool

The next ACFC West General Meeting will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at the Executive Hotel, located at 4201 Lougheed Highway in Burnaby.

Members attending the General Meeting on Sunday, September 24, 2023, have a chance to win a cash prize of $500!

Additionally, Members who are travelling from out-of-town (such as Vancouver Island or the Okanagan) to attend the General Meeting may be eligible for a travel allowance to cover some travel costs. Reasonable travel expenses up to a total of $200 can be reimbursed by submitting ORIGINAL receipts to the ACFC West office.

Parking: Leave your license number at the hotel front desk for complimentary parking.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Nicole in the ACFC West office at (604) 299-ACFC (2232) or email administrator@acfcwest.com.

PDF of General Meeting Notice

The annual dues year for ACFC West, Local 2020 Unifor begins October 1st of each year and runs through to and including
September 30th of the following year. If you are currently a Member in Good Standing and have received our notice by mail, you are
eligible to renew your membership for the upcoming year commencing October 1st, 2023.

Annual dues for the 2024 dues year, which is required to maintain your Member in Good Standing status, is $100.00.

Please note: in order to renew membership, a Member who requires a driver’s license to perform his or
her duties must provide a current drivers abstract or a signed authorization letter allowing the union to
obtain the member’s abstract.

In addition, payment of annual dues DOES NOT entitle you to renew your benefits through ACFC West, Local 2020
Unifor’s health benefits plan. However, maintaining benefits on the health plan are subject to payment of Annual Dues, and
will be immediately terminated if dues are delinquent by 30 days.

Payment Instructions:
1) In order to remain a Member in Good Standing of ACFC West, Local 2020 Unifor, you are required to pay one
payment of $100.00 for the full year. Your payment must be received at the ACFC West, Local 2020 Unifor
business office on or before October 1st, 2023.
*** This payment DOES NOT automatically entitle you to renew health benefits. ***

2) You can pay your 2024 Annual Dues by phone with Visa or Mastercard, or in-person with Cash, Debit or Cheque.
Please call our office at (604) 299-2232

3) Please mail any Cheques or Money Orders to the following address:
c/o ANNUAL DUES
ACFC West, Local 2020 Unifor
#108 – 3993 Henning Drive
Burnaby, BCV5C 6P7
Cheques and/or Money Orders should be made payable to: ACFC West, Local 2020 Unifor

Living in uncertain times can be incredibly challenging, especially for those of us in the motion picture sector currently facing work disruptions due strikes in the United States. As productions are delayed or put on hold here in Canada, we are grappling with uncertainties surrounding our livelihood and income.

Labour disruptions in the US film industry can have far-reaching effects on workers across the border in Canada and the rest of the world. The uncertainty surrounding delayed productions and loss of income can be overwhelming. Many of us rely on steady work in the industry to support ourselves and our families, making sudden disruptions a significant source of stress and anxiety.

This state of uncertainty can trigger a range of emotional and psychological challenges. Feelings of anxiety, fear, and frustration may arise as we face the unknown and navigate the complexities of our career and personal lives. Sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite are some common symptoms that can accompany this period of uncertainty. Acknowledging the impact of these challenges is essential, as it allows us to develop effective coping mechanisms and support systems to navigate through these difficult times.

Research on Psychological Uncertainty and Coping Mechanisms:

Various studies have shed light on the psychological and mental health strains experienced by individuals facing uncertainty and the unknown. Researchers have identified common stressors related to labour disruptions, such as financial instability, job insecurity, and feelings of helplessness. These stressors can significantly impact mental well-being and lead to anxiety and emotional distress.

Coping mechanisms play a crucial role in how individuals navigate uncertainty. Some coping strategies have been found to be particularly effective in alleviating psychological strains include incorporating mindfulness Practices into your day such as meditation and deep breathing exercises; building and maintaining a strong support network; using your problem-solving skill to break down challenges into manageable steps and potential solutions; and reframing negative thoughts and emotions into more positive perspectives.

Managing Anxiety During Uncertain Times

Here is a checklist of proven strategies we can use to address and manage the psychological challenges we are facing:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s essential to recognize and accept the emotions you are experiencing. Anxiety, fear, and frustration are natural responses to uncertain situations. Allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment. Example: Keep a journal to express your feelings and thoughts. Writing can be therapeutic and help process emotions during times of uncertainty.
2. Stay Informed: While it’s tempting to disconnect from news about the labour disruptions, staying informed about the situation can provide some reassurance. Follow reputable news sources and industry updates to be aware of any progress or changes. Example: Set a specific time each day to catch up on industry news and updates. Limiting exposure to constant updates can prevent information overload.
3. Focus on What You Can Control: In times of uncertainty, focusing on what you can control can help ease anxiety. While you may not have control over the labour disruptions, you can take charge of your own well-being and make plans for alternative sources of income or career development. Example: Develop a financial budget and explore other income-generating opportunities, such as freelance work or online gigs. An in-depth discussion on this topic can be found on Episode 2 of Calltime’s new podcast here.
4. Reach Out for Support: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who understand the challenges of the industry. Sharing your feelings with others can be cathartic and provide a sense of camaraderie. Example: Organize a virtual support group with industry peers to discuss shared experiences and offer emotional support.
5. Utilize Mental Health Resources: If anxiety becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offered by unions or production companies can provide confidential counseling and support. Example: Reach out to your union’s EAP/MAP to access mental health resources, counselling, and coping strategies for managing stress found here
6. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that nurture your emotional well-being. Engage in hobbies, physical exercise, meditation, or mindfulness practices to reduce stress and foster resilience. Example: Dedicate time each day for mindfulness meditation ,yoga, or a focused hobby to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
7. Set Realistic Goals: During labour disruptions, it’s essential to set realistic goals for yourself. Be kind to yourself and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your career during these challenging times. Example: Focus on achievable short-term goals, such as completing a personal creative project, updating your certifications and training, or updating your portfolio.

As we use these ways to deal with the mental health and wellbeing challenges of work disruptions, it’s important to remember that everyone’s situation is different. What helps one person might not help another as much. The key is to experiment and use coping mechanisms that fit your individual preferences and needs.

By using these techniques, which are backed by research, along with the help of our community and mental health tools, we can build resilience, improve well-being, and deal with the problems that come with uncertain times. Remember that we’re all in this together, and if we help each other, we can come out of this as a better, more resilient group.

Resources:

1. If you are part of a Union benefit plan in BC, check HERE for a list of mental health resources and services
2. Listen to our recent Podcast Episode HERE on managing personal finances.
3. Read our previous post “Coping with Job Uncertainty and Seasonal Work in the Entertainment Industry” (financial tips) HERE
4. We can all feel sad, hopeless, and tired of everything sometimes. But when do these symptoms become a mental health condition? Read our post about depression HERE

Navigating Uncertainty: Managing Anxiety and Emotional Stress in Times of Labour Disruptions (calltimementalhealth.com)

The city of Maple Ridge film department along with Creative BC and Work BC have organized an event to connect film workers looking for temporary employment with local employers. Click here for the PDF of the temporary employment job fair release.

The City of Maple Ridge and Work BC are inviting all to a job fair and information session on August 22, 2023, 4:00PM-7:00PM at the Maple Ridge Public Library. This will be an opportunity to explore temporary employment options in the Fraser Valley Region as the motion picture industry navigates this unprecedented time of low production.

Maple Ridge Public Library Address: 22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Maple Ridge

To register, click here: rb.gy/61egv

In light of the ongoing WGA & SAG-AFTRA strikes, The Actors Fund of Canada (The AFC) have created a condensed Emergency Financial Aid (EFA) application form for temporary use, so they can efficiently help the many people in need of financial assistance due to low or no work as a result of the strikes. They are already seeing a significant increase in applications and we are informing our Members about this temporary strike application form, so Members can apply to the EFA program with more ease during this challenging time.

The AFC is short-term, charitable emergency financial assistance for essential household bills and costs that cannot otherwise be paid. This assistance is based on immediate financial need and does not need to be paid back. Right now, The AFC is focusing on making sure that people can meet their expenses for the next 4-8 weeks and consider requests for one month at a time. The AFC does not provide income replacement or ongoing assistance.

To receive financial assistance, you need to:

• Be professionally eligible:
  • Are working age and have earned the majority of your income from entertainment industry work in the period from 2019 until present OR
  • Are over 65 and have earned the majority of your income from the industry over your working life;
• Demonstrate urgent financial need (have less than 8 weeks living expenses in the bank);
• Make all reasonable efforts to support yourself through other resources;
• Provide the required information and documents.

To download the fillable PDF for Emergency Financial Aid, please click here

For more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section on the EFA website at https://afchelps.ca/get-help/.

For the condensed, strike-specific Emergency Financial Aid application form, go to https://afchelps.ca/strike.