Strike Updates
SAG-AFTRA Strike FAQ
As you are likely aware, SAG-AFTRA negotiations with the AMPTP have collapsed and a strike has now been declared. Please see below some frequently asked questions with our answers based on the most current information available to us.
How does the strike impact dual ACTRA – SAG-AFTRA members who reside in Canada?
If you are a dual member who resides in Canada and are engaged on a Canadian production, you may work on an ACTRA contract as per usual.
How does the strike impact dual ACTRA – SAG-AFTRA members who reside Outside of Canada?
If you are a dual member who primarily resides outside of Canada, and you are offered work in Canada, please contact SAG-AFTRA before accepting a booking. You can reach out to the SAG-AFTRA strike line at 877-878-7453 or email them at sagaftrastrike@sagaftra.org
Will Canadian producers still be able to hire SAG-AFTRA members to work in Canada?
If you are a producer who wants to engage a SAG-AFTRA member, including dual members who reside outside of Canada, please contact SAG-AFTRA.
You can inquire about the SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement here: https://www.sagaftrastrike.org/interim-agreement
What is the impact on performers, ACTRA or SAG-AFTRA already under contract in Canada?
Performers under an existing contract in Canada have a legal obligation to work and will not be asked by SAG-AFTRA to withhold services.
Will I be allowed to help promote a project that I worked on if it was for an AMPTP company?
If you are a UBCP/ACTRA member and the work was performed in Canada and covered under a UBCP/ACTRA contract, you may honour your promotional obligations outlined in your contract.
Does the SAG-AFTRA Strike affect SAG-AFTRA Signatory productions in Canada?
Yes. Please see SAG-AFTRA’s FAQ.
What is a SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement and where can I find a list of Interim Agreement productions?
Canadian Producers that that wish to engage a SAG-AFTRA member may apply for an interim agreement with SAG-AFTRA here: https://www.sagaftrastrike.org/interim-agreement
Such applications are vetted and reviewed by SAG-AFTRA, and UBCP/ACTRA does not have any details on this process.
SAG-AFTRA has a list of approved productions on an Interim Agreement available here.
Canadian Producers that have signed on to the Interim Agreement are also listed on this document.
How can we support SAG-AFTRA?
Please like and share social media posts in support of our sibling union and watch for updates on upcoming solidarity actions.
Now that SAG-AFTRA has declared a strike, when can UBCP/ACTRA issue its own strike notice?
The BC Master Production Agreement (BCMPA) doesn’t expire until March 31, 2024 and may be extended to March 31, 2025. Unions cannot declare a strike while their collective agreement is still in effect and regardless, we would still need to attempt to bargain the renewal of the expiring BCMPA first.
Writer’s Guild of America Strike Action FAQ
On May 2nd, the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) took strike action against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) companies following unsuccessful negotiations and the expiry of the Guild’s Theatrical and Television Basic Agreement.
Much remains to be seen concerning the potential impact here in BC and will depend on several factors including the duration of the strike itself. Please see below some frequently asked questions with our answers based on the most current information available to us. We will provide updates as information changes.
Q: What does the WGA’s strike authorization vote mean?
On April 17, the WGA announced that 97.8% of its membership voted in favour of authorizing a strike. With this strike mandate, the WGA was able to call a strike after their Basic Agreement expired May 1st.
Q: Can productions be legally picketed here?
The WGA is not a trade union in BC so it cannot legally picket here. It has never been recognized by the BC Labour Relations Board to be a trade union under the BC Labour Code.
Q: Can local unions who “support” the WGA have their members withhold services on a struck production?
No. Any withdrawal of services by the members of a BC union in support of the WGA would be an illegal strike.
UBCP/ACTRA and the other film unions in BC have language in their respective agreements that prohibits strikes or lockouts while their agreements are still in effect. If you as an individual decide not to report to work as required, you may be subject to breach of contract claims or be subject to termination by the Producer.
Q: What issues are the WGA striking over?
There is no shortage of information in the media about what the Guild is fighting for, but we recommend going to the WGA’s website for information www.wga.org.
Q: How long is the strike expected to last?
There is no way to predict how long the strike will continue. The last time the WGA held a strike was in 2007 and it lasted 100 days.
Q: Will we see production slow down or stop in BC due to the strike?
To some degree, production levels have already slowed down in anticipation of a possible Writers’ strike. However, only productions that fall under the WGA’s jurisdiction would be affected, not those under the jurisdiction of the Writers Guild of Canada. Generally speaking, Canadian productions, as well as US productions with completed scripts will continue to shoot. As such, a noticeable drop in production may not occur right away.
If the Actors’ Strike or Writers’ Strike have impacted your finances, Vancity credit union can help. More from Vancity about what’s available below.
Vancity is a member-owned cooperative, and we believe strongly in the positive role trade unions play in our community and economy. For over 76 years, Vancity has stood shoulder to shoulder with the labour movement and we’re proud of our history of shared values. We have always believed in the rights of workers to fair pay and decent working conditions, which is why we are a founding partner of the Living Wage Campaign in BC, and take pride in being one of Canada's largest private sector Living Wage employers.
We have long provided supports to Vancity Members who are impacted by labour disputes. If a member is impacted by a labour strike or lockout, Vancity has a range of ways to help support union members through a financially challenging time.
The services and supports we can offer vary depending on each Member’s particular circumstances and can be tailored to individual needs. The types of assistance range from providing loan consolidation to reduce monthly payments, opening or extending lines of credit or personal loans, to temporary deferrals on interest or payments on loans or mortgages.
To discuss what types of supports may best suit your financial situation, you can call Vancity at our Member Services Centre, or visit one of our branches.
If you are not a member of Vancity your welcome to come into one of our branches or call our Member Services Centre, to find out how to join us.
Vancity Member Services Centre
Vancouver local calling area: 604.877.7000
Greater Victoria local calling area: 250.519.7000
Toll-free: 1.888.Vancity (826.2489)