Who Oversees the Plan?

One afternoon, Tom attended a union meeting where a few younger members were discussing the Benefits of Film plan. They were curious about how it was managed and who made decisions regarding coverage. Tom, who had served as a trustee for the Employee Health and Wellness Trust, felt proud to explain how their benefits were handled.

“Benefits of Film isn’t managed by an outside insurance company,” Tom explained. “Instead, it’s overseen by a Board of Trustees made up of six elected members of IATSE Local 891, plus our elected Business Representative. These trustees are people from within our union—members like you and me—who understand what it’s like to work in the film industry.”

Tom could see the interest in their faces as he continued. “The trustees don’t just manage the day-to-day operations. They’re responsible for making decisions that impact all of us, like choosing what benefits to include or finding ways to make the plan sustainable in the long term. They even hire experts to make sure the plan is in the best possible shape to serve everyone’s needs.”

Tom shared a story of his time as a trustee, emphasizing how fulfilling it had been to play a role in shaping benefits for his peers. “It’s about trust and community. The trustees listen to what members need, and they work hard to keep the plan focused on what’s best for everyone. It’s not just about managing funds—it’s about ensuring we all have the support we need.”

For Tom, it was a meaningful moment, knowing he was able to give insight into the dedication and thoughtfulness that went into managing their benefits. The younger members left the conversation feeling reassured and inspired, knowing their coverage was in the hands of people who genuinely cared about their well-being.