We continue to step up our efforts to grow union work. Our National President David Sparrow, Vice President Keith Martin Gordey and Treasurer Theresa Tova, along with our National and Branch councillors, branch representatives and staff, have all contributed to my understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face in our industry.

Earlier this year, our new Videogame Code was finalized. From high- to low-budget videogames, we have a fair and modern agreement that sets the standard for our videogame performance work in Canada. I’m looking forward to assuming the role of ACTRA’s Chief Negotiator for the first time when we renegotiate the Ubisoft agreement in November.

I’m also pleased our new user-friendly ACTRAonline commercials cost estimator is now available for engagers to make it easier for them to hire professional ACTRA performers for their commercial productions. There’s no reason for anyone to shoot non-union commercials in Canada.

Speaking of commercials, we applaud our sister union SAG-AFTRA’s huge victory following their 10-month strike against U.S. ad agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty LLC. SAG-AFTRA members embraced the ever-changing industry by using new and innovative tactics to get their message out. And I thank all ACTRA members who supported their SAG-AFTRA sisters and brothers by refusing to do non-union commercial work in Canada.

Sharing our deep commitment to advancing and protecting the rights of all performers is what solidarity and being a union member is about. I’m proud of the work we do with the International Federation of Actors (FIA) and the resulting relationship ACTRA’s 25,000 performers now have with thousands of performers represented by affiliated unions and performer organizations from more than 60 countries around the world.

ACTRA has a long tradition of being a leader in the entertainment industry, and we’re working with like-minded unions and guilds on tough issues, like harassment and the future of broadcasting. ACTRA was happy to partner with the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) to create HAVEN, our bilingual 24/7 reporting helpline available to both DGC and ACTRA members for situations related to workplace harassment.

Members across the country are connecting with each other for the benefit of all workers in our union. During my recent Branch visits to Montreal, Winnipeg and Vancouver for the ACTRA Montreal Awards, ACTRA Manitoba annual general meeting and UBCP/ACTRA meetings, I met members who were proud to tell me about the great work they are doing through their volunteer-led committees. I cannot express how powerful and important it is for our women’s, diversity, LGBTQ, stunt, youth and bargaining committees to work together and share ideas. This is what makes our union strong.

Member engagement is key to any union’s bargaining success. Next year, we’ll be re-negotiating our National Commercial Agreement, one of ACTRA’s largest agreements. Please stay informed by reading emails from your union, following us on ACTRA’s social media channels and visiting actra.ca for updates. In the months to come, our bargaining team and elected leaders will need your support.

In my first meetings with Hollywood studios, managers, agents and producers, I quickly realized how the diversity and professionalism of our membership appeals to producers from around the world. I feel great pride in knowing our Canadian performers have the trust and talent to bring every performance to life. Attending industry events has also been a great opportunity for me to talk with our members and meet various industry players. During the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, I had the pleasure of meeting Canadian icon Mary Walsh, who told me how proud she is to be part of this union.

As an ACTRA member, you’re part of one of the biggest, full-service cultural unions. We have a collective commitment to take care of each other and to promote and support the industry in which we work. Please get involved with your member-driven union. Our solidarity is our power.

In solidarity,
Marie Kelly
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