New COVID Commercial Production Testing Protocols through December 31, 2022
The bargaining parties have reached agreement on new COVID Commercial Production Testing Protocols that will be in effect from September 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. The September 2022 Agreement aligns with recent revisions to the AICP COVID Protocols. The September 2022 Agreement incorporates 3 key changes:
1. The introduction of an “Escalation Trigger” based upon the number of hospitalizations in the metropolitan area or county of the production. Where the Escalation Trigger is not met, the terms of the September 2022 Agreement apply. Where the Escalation Trigger is met, the terms of the April 2021 agreement (as amended in September 2021 and May 2022) apply, but the expanded testing options set forth in 2 below shall be available to Producers.
2. Testing options were expanded to include Loop Mediated Amplification (“LAMP”) tests, and where a PCR rapid test is used only one (1) such test will be required.
3. Testing is only required two (2) days prior to the commencement of work and on a weekly basis thereafter, and testing in connection with overnight locations and air travel is subject to the applicable guidance of the jurisdictions of origin and destination or Producer’s reasonable discretion if Producer desires testing.
Please reach out to Kim Stevens or Beth Haynes with any questions.