City News
Tens of thousands of employees working in the Canadian film, television and radio industry have been told not to go to work Monday as a strike takes effect. ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) members were in a position to walk out as of 12:01am Monday, though some programs like the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Rick Mercer Report have made special agreements to keep their shows running.
The union's national president, Richard Hardacre, said members in Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have been ordered not to go to work Monday unless such agreements are already in place.
"Nobody wants a strike," he said, "but we will have to have a strike if we are forced to concede on a major area."
Talks are ongoing with producers.
At issue is the use of a performer's work in new media - especially the Internet - without additional compensation. The union reportedly agreed to three unpaid appearances but complains that producers want unlimited, unpaid appearances on the Internet and other forms of new media.
An official with the Canadian Film and Television Production Association suggests producers will appeal to a judge to force actors back to work if a mass strike occurs.
Quebec ACTRA members will reportedly walk off the job Wednesday, with other provinces set to follow suit.
The union represents 21,000 members. |