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CANADIAN PRODUCERS JOIN FORCES TO FIGHT SAG'S GLOBAL RULE

Canadian producers have joined their counterparts in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the UK in challenging SAGçs right to implement Global Rule One, which goes into effect on May 1, 2002. The American actorsç union is threatening to reprimand any members who sign non-SAG contracts while working abroad in English-speaking countries. But SAG does have some international support, ironically itçs from ACTRA, the only foreign actors union to align itself with a rule that is believed to undermine the power of indigenous collective agreements.

èYou have to ask yourself, why would ACTRA want to hand over its jurisdiction to SAG? The rule is offensive and I think even ACTRA members should find it offensive,î says John Barrack, National Vice-President of Industrial Relations and Counsel at the Canadian Film and Television Production Association. The CFTPA has been holding discussions with foreign producers associations over the past two weeks to co-ordinate their efforts in fighting the rule. The CFTPA negotiates collective agreements with ACTRA, the Directors Guild of Canada and the Writers Guild of Canada on behalf of Canadian producers. The CFTPA just wrapped up an agreement with ACTRA in October.

èIf ACTRA supports this move, we could ultimately end up at the Labour Board discussing unfair labour practices,î says Elizabeth McDonald, CFTPA President and CEO. Producers may also have the right to take action in the courts that could have repercussions in California or New York law.

As for enforcement, SAG claims that it has the ability to sanction renegade actors with fines, suspension or expulsion from the union. Performers should be aware SAG has no ability to make these claims with reference to work performed outside of the U.S.

The majority of SAG members performing in Canada are engaged on ACTRA contracts. If more foreign actors filming in Canada were forced to use a SAG contract it would change the face of the industry. Production costs would also increase, ultimately driving production of film and television programs out of the country.

The CFTPA is a non-profit, trade association representing almost 400 Canadian companies involved in the media content production industry. With offices in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver, the association promotes the interests of media content producers by lobbying government on policy matters, negotiating labour agreements, offering mentorship programs, copyright initiatives, and producing industry publications.

For more information on this, please contact:

Jane L. Thompson
Director of Communications
Canadian Film and Television Production Association

Tel: 613 233 1444 ext 227