TORONTO and CALGARY — The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and Teamsters Local 362 in Alberta announced Tuesday they have successfully negotiated a new three-year master agreement.
The new deal, which has been ratified by both organizations, establishes the terms, conditions and rates for crew including drivers, wranglers and caterers engaged in film, TV and digital media production in Alberta. The agreement includes a revised budget tier and wage structure for the first year, and the parties also agreed to a 1% wage increase in the second year of the deal and a 2% increase in the third year. The deal will remain in effect until March 31, 2023.
“In these unprecedented times, it’s more important than ever for producers and unions to work collaboratively towards a common goal,” said the CMPA’s Warren Ross, general counsel and vice-president of national industrial relations, in the news release. “We’re proud to have reached an agreement that recognizes the value each Teamsters member brings to the success of the Alberta production industry.”
Despite negotiations being interrupted due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, talks recommenced online and a tentative deal was reached by the June 1 deadline set by the parties. This was the first-ever Canadian independent production industry labour negotiation to be completed virtually, with negotiators participating from locations across Canada, says the release. The deal was fully ratified by the CMPA and Teamsters memberships on June 12.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has forced organizations to innovate in a number of ways, and negotiating this agreement virtually was one of those innovations,” said Michael Dunphy, business agent for General Teamsters Local Union No. 362. “I couldn’t be prouder of my bargaining committee, and also the rank and file. Their involvement and commitment to the process was unmatched.”
