The Canadian Authors Guild and the association representing Canadian producers claim to have reached an agreement that would avoid the triggering of a screenwriters’ strike, if the agreement in principle was ratified by the members.
The two organizations jointly announced Wednesday that they have entered into a new three-year Independent Production Agreement that establishes terms, conditions and rates for writers, head writers and storyboard consultants.
For the first time in its 33 years of existence, the union threatened to go on strike last month, after a majority of its members voted in favor of pressure tactics on issues such as wages, minimum staffing levels. and safeguards against artificial intelligence.
Negotiations had started after the current agreement expired on December 31, 2023.
The terms of the new agreement will be sent to the board of directors of the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and union members for ratification.
The CMPA represents independent creators in film, television and digital content, while the guild represents 2,500 English-speaking screenwriters across the country.
French-speaking screenwriters are represented by the Society of Radio, Television and Cinema Authors (Sartec).