Canadian Media Producers Association Strikes Collective Agreement With Ontario’s Technical Crew Union

The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) has struck a collective agreement with NABET 700-M UNIFOR, Ontario’s union for technical crews in film and TV.

The agreement updates terms, conditions and rates for those working in  construction, hair, makeup, props, transportation, lighting, sound and set dressing on TV, film and digital media sets. NABET 700-M UNIFOR’s members work in Canada‘s largest metropolises, such as Toronto and capital city Ottawa.

The current agreement expires on December 31. Details of the new terms will be presented to the CMPA board and NABET 700-M UNIFOR members for ratification in coming weeks.

“We are pleased to have reached a mutually beneficial agreement that recognizes the invaluable role of NABET crew members as essential production partners,” said Sean Porter, the CMPA’s Vice President of National Industrial Relations and Counsel. “I want to thank the individuals on both sides of the bargaining table for their commitment to reaching a fair agreement that maintains stability in Ontario, and benefits the future of our sector in this province.”

“This agreement demonstrates the commitment and dedication from both the CMPA and NABET 700-M UNIFOR to help shape a future of growth in film and television production here in Ontario, while recognizing the contribution and skill level of NABET Technicians, and ensuring that we are able to continue to produce globally recognized content in this province,” said Ryan Pogue, President of NABET 700-M UNIFOR.

For the CMPA, the deal is the latest agreement in a busy year. In May, a new Independent Production Agreement with the Writers’ Guild of Canada was signed off following a tense negotiation that at one point looked destined to end in a strike, which would have devastated the country’s small creative community.

NABET 700-M UNIFOR represents around 3,000 technicians from 14 departments in Ontario.