June 4, 2012

Dear Members,

This year we will be renegotiating two of our most important contracts: the Independent Production Agreement (IPA) and the B.C. Master Production Agreement (BCMPA). Together these agreements cover 80% of the work we performers do in film, television and digital production in Canada.

What we need you to know is that our union is more united than it has been in 20 years.  ACTRA and UBCP/ACTRA are working together, arm in arm, to renegotiate our two major contracts.

The core principles at the heart of these agreements are the same: that Canadian performers have the right to earn a fair living wage and benefit from the ongoing use of our work, to be protected from harm every time we step on a set and to be treated with dignity and respect.

ACTRA and UBCP/ACTRA are participating in each other’s negotiations to provide support, resources and, most importantly, solidarity. We are presenting a united front against those who would attempt to play us against each other in order to roll our contracts back; damaging Canada’s thriving film and television community in pursuit of padding the bottom line.

The coming months will bring many challenges. UBCP/ACTRA is already is negotiations and is fighting appalling demands for roll-backs from producers. UBCP/ACTRA members are rejecting these demands, and ACTRA members right across the country are standing with them.

We will be turning to all of you in the coming months to ask you to help send a strong message to our industry: ACTRA will not be divided, we will not be conquered. Performers will be united and we will win.

In Solidarity,

Ferne Downey ACTRA National President	Alvin Sanders UBCP/ACTRA President ACTRA National Vice-President

Go to the Performers United HQ for more information on the IPA and BCMPA negotiations.