[e-drive] EQUIFLASH [2006 - 2009 CANADIAN THEATRE AGREEMENT NEGOTIATED]

[caea-l at list.web.net]

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EQUIFLASH - 2006 - 2009 CANADIAN THEATRE AGREEMENT NEGOTIATED
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After 29 days of bargaining over three months, Equity has successfully
reached a tentative deal with the Professional Association of Canadian
Theatres for renewal of a three-year Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA).
This deal is subject to ratification by the Theatres at their annual
general meeting next week, and will be put to the Equity membership for
ratification by mail over the coming weeks.

The CTA, set to expire on June 25th, 2006 will be extended to the end of
August, 2006, in order to facilitate the ratification of proposed
changes by the membership. If successfully ratified, the new agreement
will come into effect upon ratification, and all of the financial
conditions will apply retroactively to June 26th, 2006. All other terms
will take effect from the date of ratification forward.

Many issues important to Equity members were addressed including use of
production photographs by the Artist as well as by the Theatre for
promotion, frequency and access to auditions for Equity members, and
scheduling of rehearsal/performance hours during tech week and around
the free day in repertory, royalties for Directors and Choreographers,
the application of fees for Fight Directors, and addressing employment
standards for Stage Management. Further, the new Agreement will
comprehensively address the engagement of children in theatre, including
provisions for supervision and separate dressing areas.

Minimum compensation in Sector 1 (not-for-profit Theatres) operating at
company categories A-D (including A+ and Shaw) were increased 2.25% in
each year of the Agreement, and for the balance of Sector 1 by 2.00% per
year. For all Sector 2 (commercial) Theatres, the minimum fees were
increased by 3% each year. In Theatre for Young Audiences, minimum fees
were increased by 1% per year in each year of the Agreement. However
significant gains were made in the TYA per diem which was increased by
14.25% over three years as part of Equity's continuing effort to bring
per diem in line with expenses on the road for all productions.

Executive Director Susan Wallace and Senior Business representative Ken
Burns were assisted through the negotiations by members Laurie
Champagne, Stephanie Graham, Sterling Jarvis, Jenifer Kowal, George
Masswhol, Jonathan Monro, Winston Morgan, Dawn Obokata, Janelle
Rainville, Allan Teichman, Louise St. Cyr, Laurel Smith and Sandy
Winsby.

A complete ratification package, including all changes to the agreement
and explanatory notes, will be sent to the membership very soon. All
members of Equity in good standing who worked under a CTA or ITA
engagement contract during the term of the last Agreement, will receive
a ballot. Ballots must be returned to the national office by August
11th, 2006 in order to be eligible.

Equity members should ensure that they are in good standing by June
26th, 2006. Please contact Equity's membership department for further
information.

Any Equity member who will be away from his/her primary residence during
the summer should identify a secondary address on EQUITYONLINE at
www.caea.com not later than June 26th, 2006. 

Look for further details of the recommended changes to the CTA in the
upcoming summer issue of the Equity News, as well as on EQUITYONLINE. 

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