TORONTO and LOS ANGELES – The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) has expanded its strategic alliance with fellow performers union Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) to tackle non-union production in North America.
The initiative calls for cooperation between the two unions in ensuring employers live up to their commitment to produce only under a union agreement. Initial activities will include North American wide outreach, research and communications efforts to attract new signatory agencies by demonstrating the value of producing with union performers.
“As our industry changes and grows we see new opportunities for unions to organize and grow,” said ACTRA National president Ferne Downey, in the news release. “More than 90% of film and television produced in North America is under a union agreement, but a growing number of commercials are shooting non-union. That lowers working standards for performers across North America.”
“Professional performers bring immense value to a production and it is crucial that they have strong union contracts protecting them,” added SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris. “Globalization and technology change are issues affecting performers across North America. As the entertainment and media industry grows beyond traditional structures it is imperative that we respond.”
