Radio / Television News

ACTRA, NFB, agree


TORONTO – ACTRA, the actors’ union, and the National Film Board of Canada have reached a tentative settlement on a new collective bargaining agreement.

“In addition to increasing minimum fees and fringes over a four-year term, ACTRA successfully negotiated provisions for production and use of NFB product in new media,” says the ACTRA press release.

"We have an agreement in principle, and as ACTRA’s chief negotiator, I am pleased with this tentative deal," said Stephen Waddell, ACTRA’s national executive director. "The deal we have reached with the NFB is subject to approval by our National Executive and our members who are eligible to vote."

“Consistent with its settlement with the independent producers earlier this year, ACTRA negotiated general increases in minimum fees amounting to 3% in each year of a four-year agreement, plus an additional 1% contribution from the NFB into performer benefits,” says the press release.

“Also similar to negotiations with the independent producers, ACTRA secured provisions for NFB made-for new media product, as well as fees for use of NFB product in new media. Unlike the negotiations with the independent producers, ACTRA did not have to strike the NFB for six weeks before concluding an equitable settlement.”

"This is a good deal for performers and for the NFB. ACTRA is pleased to be able to continue its long-standing collective bargaining relationship with the NFB and to continue working to explore the potential of new technology to bring Canadian culture to a larger, worldwide audience," added Waddell.

www.actra.ca