It's Veteran's Day: We Support You

Today, the Family Leave Subcommittee honors the VETERANS

in our communities, in our families, and

in our industry.

Animation has a symbiotic relationship with the national defense narrative; from Walt Disney and Warner Bros' now-famous World War II training films to today's Google Doodle honoring our veterans and their stories. 

For more than a century, animation artists have helped shape our world, while providing society an illustrated mirror through which to view ourselves. Striking visuals have captured the national mood, communicated our fears, carried our hopes, and - in their best iterations - they've inspired a brighter future. 

We recognize that veterans count among our numbers - from Guild members to family members. We remember those we've lost and honor those who continue to serve. Whether on the front line or on the production line, daily life can become overwhelming. If you or a loved one are struggling now, MPIPHP offers free counseling and support through OPTUM. 

To talk with someone 24/7:

Call (888) 661-9141 or log on to

www.liveandworkwell.com

with access code: mpiphp.

We support you.

#veteransday #support #animationisfamily #tag #mpiphp #optum

Celebrate World Mental Health Day - Check Out These Resources

It's WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY!

Guild members and everyone in your household

(yes, that includes family members and housemates...even that old college friend crashing on your couch)

can call this number anytime you want help with life's concerns:

(888) 661-9141

Or log on to:

www.liveandworkwell.com

Access code: mpiphp

So...What's the deal with World Mental Health Day? you ask. Forbes has the answer. In an article entitled, Why You Should Pay Attention To Mental Health Day, author Danielle Brooker explains: mental health can affect anyone any day of the year. In fact, one in six report experiencing one of the most common [mental health] problems, such as anxiety and depression, in any given week.

Our own Animation Guild Motion Picture Health Plan recognizes this, and now offers access to a behavioral health concierge service through OPTUM. You can request confidential support for a wide range of issues - from everyday challenges to more serious problems, anytime. And, best of all...services are available to all household members (benefited or not). The topic of mental well-being is gaining traction. We're proud that MPIPHP is leading the charge!

#animationisfamily #worldmentalhealthday #optum #mpiphp

Member Stories: BEREAVEMENT LEAVE

This week we're highlighting the need for
Bereavement Leave.

What is bereavement leave and why do we need it? We talked with fellow Guild members Nathan and Greg to find out:

When Cartoon Network designer Nathan lost his father, he needed time to grieve and settle family affairs. Instead, he discovered that his studio doesn’t offer bereavement days and that bereavement isn’t even mentioned in our contract. Nathan’s only option was to use his own sick days and vacation days to help his family – and hope that he himself didn’t fall ill or need a break for the rest of the year. This added stress to an already difficult time.

 Some studios prioritize employee welfare with added benefits that help members thrive.

Fox director Greg had a different experience. When his beloved grandmother passed away, he discovered that his studio offers five paid bereavement days. Benefits like these cost the studio very little, but have huge value to families in need. The discrepancies between individual member experiences, like Nathan's and Greg's, demonstrate a need for change. 

We need to negotiate a benefits package

that everyone can count on.

Read more Member Stories in THE PEGBOARD, pages 12-13.

#negotiations2018 #bereavement #animationisfamily