Greetings ACTRA Manitoba Members,

I’m currently typing this on my laptop, which is propped up on my suitcase, being held steady between my legs as the bus shakes and gently swerves from lane to lane down the 407. Just having left the last National Council and PRS Board meetings held these past three days in Burlington, ON, and with over an hour bus ride to get to the airport, I figured now is as good a time as any to write a new message to you.

The meetings were productive as always, ran long as always, and were inspiring as always. I’m happy to report back that your National Councillors from across the country are working diligently to make the union a better one for all of us. And while they don’t always agree on how we get there, I see the common goals reflected in their words and actions.

It has been a busy few months since my last message. ACTRA was able to negotiate the most successful collective agreement in its history, with a record number of improvements and bringing language and provisions about AI into the agreement for the first time ever. The agreement was ratified by the members in the new year and it was a great way to start 2025.

Immediately after, we went to work on tackling our deficit, not just being felt in Manitoba, but in branches across the country, and also with ACTRA National. As you all know, the Dues Increase Proposal Referendum failed to give us the increase in dues that we asked for. What was learned was that the annual dues, working dues, and dues cap, are issues that are too big to address without thorough communication with all members. ACTRA leadership heard this, loud and clear. A fulsome communication plan will be implemented before any further attempts at dues changes will be proposed. But make no mistake, my fellow ACTRA members, a dues increase is sorely needed. Otherwise, service to members will suffer, bargaining will suffer, and our union will fail in more significant ways. We just need to figure out how to solve this problem in a way that will satisfy more of us.

After that, there was a petition that was brought forth that called for mandatory quarterly reporting to members. The members calling for this cited that they wanted more financial transparency from ACTRA. As per our constitution, a referendum was called and subsequently defeated, and I thank all who voted for exercising your democratic right as a union member. Even though the referendum was not successful, it showed that a large portion of our members want more knowledge of how their dues are being spent, and why. As we have been so focused on growth, bargaining, and serving the members, we perhaps overlooked the fact that many in our union are unfamiliar with all that ACTRA does! So, as part of the greater communication plan, there will be opportunities for members to learn with in-person or virtual sessions on finances and ACTRA National operations and activities. This outreach also extends to the branch level, and I welcome anyone who wishes to know more about what we do and how your hard-earned dues are spent, to come to the next Annual General Meeting, to be held on Tuesday, September 9^th in the evening. Venue and exact times TBA.

It took me a few years to understand all that ACTRA does. It’s not a short list. But eventually, you see how the cogs in the machine work, and why it matters. It’s been de-mystified for me, and I love that I “get it” now. It empowers me to make decisions about my career and when I vote, I understand what is important to me, and what is not. I would wish this for anyone working in the film and media industry.

Finally, last Friday, June 20^th, we celebrated Sharon Bajer’s Visionary Award win with an event at Prairie Theatre Exchange. ACTRA National President, Eleanor Noble, and National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, Marie Kelly were both in attendance and it was a beautiful event to honour Sharon’s work and contributions to our industry. Thank you to everyone who came out, and to Eleanor and Marie for making the trip to Winnipeg for this special tribute. On the same night, we held our MIP Showcase which featured 8 wonderful films made by members. The short films overall were excellent, with Sarah Luby’s Silent Sonata, taking home both the Golden Boy Award, and the Rob Macklin Audience Choice Award. Congratulations to Sarah and her Producer, Sydney Sabiston for this fantastic achievement.

Then two days later, I hopped on a plane, bus, and train, to Burlington, Ontario. This trip, I invited our Branch Representative Rea Kavanagh to join me, and brought three observers: Marsha Knight, Kalyn Bomback, and Paul Essiembre. We don’t typically take so many observers to attend the National Council meeting, as the costs come from our branch, but I felt it was important this time as many big issues were being brought to the table, and having observers there creates more awareness, and provides greater perspective. I also wanted more councillors to have some of that insight I was talking about. Mentorship and professional development is critical for the health of our union.

It was my last NC and PRS Board in-person meeting, and I can say confidently that I have learned much about our union, its operations, and its importance in our industry. Internationally, we are highly regarded. We have some of the best collective agreements in the world for performers, and they were hard-fought for by a diligent team of staff and members. We have every right to be proud of our union, and I will always be honoured to have served as your representative on this national body.

After 10 years of service to ACTRA Manitoba – two as a member-at-large, two as the Secretary, two as the Vice-President, and four as your Branch President & National Councillor – I will not be running for re-election at the September 9th AGM. Part of me is sad about this, as I know there is important work to be done and I would love to be a part of it. And through this work, I have been able to connect with great people from across the country – passionate ACTRA colleagues who have become friends and allies. People who I have looked up to and learned from. And a new generation of councillors who inspire me with their energy and brilliance. It is because of them that I know that the union’s future is in good hands. I also feel fortunate that in Manitoba, we have engaged members who are also ready to take up the mantle and do the work that is so needed.

Council will be on a bit of a summer break these next two months to focus on the busy filming season and also on any summer plans we might have, but this council will come together once more before the September AGM, where we will hold our elections for the next council of ACTRA Manitoba. I hope to see you there, and better yet – I hope you run for a position. If you are interested or just curious, feel free to reach out to me at awong@actra.ca and I’d be happy to chat. Until then, take care and have a wonderful summer.

In solidarity,

Alan Wong President and National Councillor ACTRA Manitoba