On April 26, we marked the two-year anniversary of the shameful lockout of ACTRA performers by the Institute of Canadian Agencies (ICA). This unprovoked, unfair and unjust attack on some of the most precarious workers in our economy has cost our members their jobs, their dreams, their hopes, and in some cases, their homes.
Walking out on 60 years of productive collective bargaining to bully unprotected non-union performers into working without safety standards, benefits and industry standard terms and condition is exploitation. The ICA’s actions are a stark reminder of the power imbalances that persist in the entertainment industry and serve as a call to action for greater solidarity and support for performers’ rights.
It’s time for the industry to prioritize fairness and equity over profit margins and ensure that all artists are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.