MONTREAL – Canadian actors and producers are staying at the bargaining table this time.
The Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA) and Association de producteurs de films et de télévision du Québec (APFTQ) said today that ACTRA, the actors’ union appears to be "moving away from refusing to enter into any discussions regarding the proposals tabled by CFTPA and APFTQ unless all proposals are withdrawn," said the CFTPA release.
ACTRA agreed to listen to the Producers’ as they presented the rationale behind their proposals along with a detailed overview of the changing production environment, both domestically and internationally.
“We’re satisfied that ACTRA has finally chosen to engaged in the dialogue that we have been seeking from the first scheduled day of bargaining.” said John Barrack, chief negotiator for the CFTPA, “ACTRA seems to understand that the world of production has changed and our agreements must follow, if we are to continue to build a strong and attractive production center. Their actions today, appear to indicate their willingness to Bargain”
The Producers say they have accepted several proposals tabled by ACTRA and have removed and/or amended many of its own proposals "creating a balanced and productive bargaining in good faith atmosphere," says the press release. "Progress on the less contentious proposals should prime the pump as discussions move to some of the more difficult proposals tabled by both sides. However, despite this recent progress ACTRA is still taking steps toward a possible strike."
"The CFTPA and APFTQ remain committed to ensuring that all collective agreements with Canada’s Unions and Guilds address the new business realities affecting the production sector, while at the same time creating work opportunities for both producers, and by extension performers. In addition, the Producers urge all parties to work together to find new ways to attract foreign location and co-production work that is akin to incentives offered by the other trade unions in our sector."
ACTRA was perhaps a little less optimistic. "The good news is that today we agreed to a roadmap on how to address the numerous issues on the table," said Stephen Waddell, ACTRA’s national
executive director and chief negotiator. "The bad news is that we weren’t able to come to resolution on a single major issue, although we did deal with three or four minor ones. We still seem to be miles apart in substance."
The CFTPA and APFTQ are scheduled to continue negotiations with ACTRA in Toronto in December. The current deal expires December 31.
