ACTRA vs. iCA

”I have concluded that the parties are simply too far apart on issues that are fundamental to each, and that the conditions are not ripe for compromise at this time,” said mediator Eli Gedalof.

ACTRA and the ACA said the renewal will provide “stability to the industry” for the next year, despite the ongoing dispute with Canada’s largest ad agencies.

Cossette says letter of continuation is tied to the agreement signed in Quebec last June, and is in effect through end of 2023; ICA says other agencies “remain focused” on getting a new NCA.

After focusing on ad agencies for the last 11 months, ACTRA now wants to exert pressure on Canadian Tire, M&M Food Market, McDonald’s, Rogers, Walmart and H&R Block.

Negotiations for a new National Commercial Agreement will get underway next week, with both sides pledging to bargain in good faith.

The two sides appear far apart on resolving the labour dispute, with fiery statements revealing continued bad blood.

With no resolution to the dispute in sight, about 130 people protested outside the agency’s Toronto office on Wednesday.

In an open letter, ACTRA claims just 3% of all NCA work is being done for non-signatory agencies.

As both sides dig in their heels on opt-in/opt-out issue, labour dispute could drag on for months.

While protesters call for an end to the lockout by ICA agencies, ICA agencies continue to maintain that it’s a strike.

Canada’s actors union launches video campaign featuring well-known stars of Canadian advertising calling for agencies to get back to work with ACTRA.

By joining with the ACA and the actors’ union, A2C will join negotiations to “modernize the NCA” over the next year.

The dispute between ACTRA and the ICA intensifies, with the union filing grievances against agencies and a formal complaint with the Ontario Labour Relations Board.

The union’s legal counsel says the ICA’s opt-in/opt-out proposal would have “gutted” its bargaining rights.

ACTRA still has to ratify the deal, but Canada’s agency association ICA has said the deal won’t apply to its members.