EQUIFLASH [NEGOTIATIONS FOR A FIRST AGREEMENT WITH LES GRANDS BALLETS SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDE]

[CAEA e-drive]

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NEGOTIATIONS FOR A FIRST AGREEMENT WITH LES GRANDS BALLETS SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDE
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Equity is pleased to announce that bargaining with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal for a first Agreement (2014-2019) has successfully concluded. 

Company dancers working with Les Grands Ballets are eligible to vote on the ratification of the proposed Agreement. The ratification vote by mail commences today. Results will be announced June 12th, 2014.

BACKGROUND:
Equity was certified as the exclusive bargaining agent for the dancers in May of 2013. Negotiations began in the fall of 2013 and were conducted in a very collegial and cooperative manner. Bargaining successfully concluded on Thursday, May 22, 2014.

AGREEMENT HIGHLIGHTS:
* Increase to the guaranteed number of work weeks
* Improvements to paid vacation administration
* Overtime rate increases of between 6.5% and 55%
* A 3% increase to the minimum fees in each of the first three years of the Agreement.
* Additional RRSP contributions from the Engager
* Payment for non-renewal of an engagement contract

RATIFICATION:
Equity and the negotiating team are extremely pleased with the improvements made during the negotiations and recommend the ratification of this first Agreement.

Pending a successful ratification, the new terms of the Agreement with Les Grands Ballets will come into effect July 1, 2014.

Questions regarding the negotiations may be directed to Executive Director Arden R. Ryshpan either by email (execdir at caea.com)
or by phone (1-800-387-1856 or 416-867-9165 in Toronto).

Equity looks forward to the representation of dancers at Les Grands Ballets under their first-ever collective agreement.

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Canadian Actors' Equity Association
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