Dear Members,

I want to wish you a Happy Labour Day! Wherever you may be this glorious long weekend, I urge you to take a moment and consider all that we have accomplished together. We have a lot to be proud of. Our union has never been stronger and more united in purpose. We’ll be using that solidarity in the coming months as we head into bargaining on the Independent Production Agreement. Performers, united!

If there is a Labour Day Parade or picnic or activity in your home community on Monday, drop by, say hello. Join in. Trade unions and our common unity of purpose are under attack right now, in our own country and around the world. It is critical that we stand together and show the public and our political leaders that we will not be silenced. We are artists, and we are workers – workers who contribute $84.6 billion to the Canadian economy.

It is fitting that as we work to build bridges with our fellow trade unionists across the country, at ACTRA we are also building stronger ties with our global union partners. In just a few weeks, our three Canadian performers’ unions, ACTRA, Equity and UdA, will host performers from around the world at the 20th Congress of the International Federation of Actors (FIA). Performers from more than 75 countries will descend on Toronto to tackle common challenges and share experiences, and reinforce the strength of the worldwide performers’ community.

See what’s going on in your area – check with your branch or go to the CLC calendar.

I wish you and your families an invigorating and safe Labour Day.

In solidarity,
Ferne Downey
ACTRA National President