EQUIFLASH [REFERENDUM ON INCREASE TO BASIC DUES SENT TO THE EQUITY MEMBERSHIP]

[CAEA e-drive]

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REFERENDUM ON INCREASE TO BASIC DUES SENT TO THE EQUITY MEMBERSHIP
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After successfully maintaining the same basic dues level for over a decade, the cumulative effects of inflation and new investment in member services mean that the current dues amount is no longer sufficient. Equity's last basic dues increase was approved by the membership in 1994, and completed in 1999. Since then, that amount has steadily decreased in relative value.

Equity’s national Council endorses an increase in the basic dues as a necessary change to adjust for inflation and higher business costs.

There are two parts to the referendum proposal, to be decided separately. The first is an increase in the annual dues, to offset the cumulative inflation of the past 12 years. The increase would be introduced in stages to lessen the impact on members. Basic dues would be set at $160 per year ($80 semi-annually) effective May 1, 2012, and increased in small increments each year thereafter until 2016.

The second proposal is to approve a mechanism through which modest basic dues adjustments could be made on a periodic basis, without having to go to the membership each time with a referendum. This question will be put separately from the first, so that members may decide each matter on its own merits.

Equity members will want to make an informed decision. Equity's Council has provided you with detailed background information in the Fall 2011 issue of "Council Link" available at EQUITYONLINE (http://www.caea.com). Copies of "Council Link" will also accompany all hard copies of the Fall 2011 EQ magazine sent by mail.

Council wants to answer any questions you may have. Questions can be sent to President Allan Teichman at president at caea.com and phone inquiries may be made anytime at 1-800-387-1856 (416-867-9165 in Toronto), extension 239. Or you can talk to your regional representatives; CPAG contact information is available at EQUITYONLINE (http://www.caea.com).

DUES REFERENDUM IMPORTANT DATES
► November 1 - Voter kits mailed
► November 7 - Telephone and Internet voting opens
► November 14 - Online and teleconference member forums: Atlantic, Central & Pacific time zones
► November 15 - Call National Office if voter kit not received
► November 21 - Online and teleconference member forums: Eastern & Mountain time zones
► November 25 - Deadline to mail paper ballots
► December 8 - Voting closes
► December 9 - Results announced
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Canadian Actors' Equity Association
44 Victoria Street, 12th floor
Toronto, ON  M5C 3C4
tel: 416-867-9165 
fax: 416-867-9246
members only: 1-800-387-1856
communications at caea.com
http://www.caea.com


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