DiNOVO INTRODUCES BILL TO PROTECT CHILD ACTORS
NDP News Release: QUEEN'S PARK, March 28, 2007 – NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo announced in a press conference today, a Private Members Bill to amend the Employment Standards Act with respect to the protection of child actors' rights as workers in the entertainment industry. Legislation does not currently exist to set out the terms and conditions of work for child actors under the age of 15.
The bill will be tabled in the house today and includes the following to legislate protection for child actors:
- 12 years and under can work no more than 8 hours per day
- Over 12 years of age and under 15 years can work no more than 10 hours, unless written approval is granted from the Director
- Start time is no earlier than 5am
- Finish time is no later than 10pm on a school day or 12:30am if not
- Limits the number of consecutive minutes that a child is allowed to be before a recording device and allots specific time for breaks
- 48 hours off a week or pay for time and a half for the 48 hours worked
- 12 hours off between shifts and before attending school
- No split shifts
- Chaperone is required, cannot be the child's agent or employer, one chaperone for no more than two children
- If a child actor earns more than $2,000, the employer must remit 25% to the Public Guardian and Trustee to hold in trust for the child
DiNovo was joined by Michael Seater, star of Life with Derek, and Karl Pruner, President of ACTRA Toronto Performers and Councillor on ACTRA's National Council, among others who support this Private Members Bill.
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