TORONTO – ACTRA and the American Federation of Musicians-Canadian Federation of Musicians (AFM-CFM) have signed a formal strategic and friendship alliance in order to "promote solidarity and greater unity of purpose" between the two labour unions.
Both unions are mutually focussed on collective bargaining, organizing, member service and political action, have already worked together in the past on public policy issues, both domestically and internationally at the World Intellectual Property Organization. Going forward, the organizations plan to pool resources and provide support to each other on issues such as collective bargaining, policy and organizing.
"This alliance formalizes the long-standing and mutually-beneficial relationship that ACTRA and the AFM/CFM have had for more than 60 years”, said ACTRA national president Ferne Downey, in the announcement. "Our members work side-by-side, and in many cases, are members of both of our unions. It only makes sense that we would strengthen our bond and work closely together to promote our mutual interests."
"This new step in our relationship will provide even more opportunities for cooperation while respecting the autonomy and jurisdiction of both unions," said Bill Skolnik, vice-president from Canada for AFM-CFM.
