SMG/ASM Masking and Vaccination Protocols
IATSE Local 26 and ASM Global are committed to the safety of workers. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to make smart choices to stay healthy.
Employers have the right to require vaccinations, make reasonable safety rules, and enforce said rules. The Union will make sure Employers’ requirements are reasonable and workers are given adequate notice to comply. Choosing not to meet those requirements is choosing not to work for that employer.
SMG (and its parent company ASM Global) has communicated the following protocols. The Union expects everyone we refer to work for them to comply.
Updated August 13, 2021
Attention all Grand Rapids Staff!!
With the new recommendations from the Kent County Health Department regarding masks, SMG is reinstating the mask requirement for all staff regardless of your vaccination status.
Until further notice, all staff must wear a face covering (properly worn over mouth and nose) while in the facilities.
Anyone not following this change in policy will be subject to disciplinary action. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Any Team Members who are not registered as fully vaccinated with their local Human Resources Department are required to complete the daily health questionnaire.
- Survey must be completed BEFORE entry.
- Survey must be filled out 1hr – 12hr’s before each shift.
In order to be considered registered as fully vaccinated with your local Human Resources Department, Team Members must provide proof of their vaccination status or self-attest be being vaccinated AND ASM Global must maintain a physical record of this documentation. As such, ASM Global’s venue level Human Resources Departments will now be allowed to maintain confidential records of Team Members vaccination status if the Team Member chooses to disclose it.
How do I register that I am vaccinated?
Provide proof of fully vaccinated status (i.e. vaccine card, image of vaccine card or note from your physician indicating vaccination status) to their local Human Resources Department who will maintain a copy of this document in a confidential file.
OR
Team Member can sign and date the attached document self-attesting to their fully vaccinated status (including dates of vaccination) and submit it to their local Human Resources Department who will maintain this document in a confidential file. The Union is not allowed to keep copies of proof of vaccination or self attesting forms. Keep your records and be prepared to show them again if any other employer requires vaccinations.
Send documentation to:
Chris Machuta
Van Andel Arena & DeVos Place Assistant General Manager
Scanned PDFs and photos from your phone may be emailed.
*Use “Stagehand COVID Vaccination” as the Subject line.
**Include your name as it appears on you paycheck in the body of your email. If the attachment is blurry or unable to be opened, they will need to know who to contact.
I’m not vaccinated. Can I still work for SMG?
Yes, as long as you will follow the requirements. You will be required to continue wearing a face mask and complete the daily health questionnaire. These are necessary preventative measures needed to limit workplace transmission when there is a mix of vaccinated and potentially unvaccinated Team Members in the work environment.
I want to keep my vaccination status private. Is that ok?
Team Members have the right to decline to divulge their vaccination status. No disciplinary or discriminatory action will be tolerated against a Team Member due to their status.
Any Team Member who chooses to not disclose proof of vaccination, will be treated as unvaccinated and will be required to continue wearing a face mask and complete the daily health questionnaire. These are necessary preventative measures needed to limit workplace transmission when there is a mix of vaccinated and potentially unvaccinated Team Members in the work environment.
Where can I find the SMG Health Surveys?
Van Andel Arena Health Survey: https://www.vanandelarena.com/f/30
DeVos Place Health Survey: https://www.vanandelarena.com/f/30
DeVos Performance Hall: https://www.vanandelarena.com/f/32
Brief Q&A below for further clarity:
Q: Who is considered fully vaccinated?
A: Per the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated:
2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
If you don’t meet these requirements, regardless of your age, you are NOT fully vaccinated.
Q: Does this policy apply to Team Members covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement?
A: This policy applies to all represented and unrepresented ASM Global Team Members. As in all matters, where the CBA and company policy differ, the CBA is the governing document.
Q: Does this policy apply to visitors/guests at the venues?
A: No, direction pertaining to visitors to our venues should be guided by local ordinances and any direction we have received from our clients related to masks. If the local ordinance or our client require us to request visitors to wear masks, then we should do so and communicate those requirements accordingly. Absent a local ordinance or client direction regarding masks, we should continue to request that all visitors wear masks while at the facility, but if they choose not to then we will respect their decision.
ASM Global will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 public health guidance and update our direction as needed. Please note, ASM Global reserves the right to change or modify this policy at any time to effectively address an outbreak and / or in accordance with CDC, State or local guidance.
Please contact the Local at mail@iatse26.org with any questions or for assistance with registering your vaccination status.
