An update on ACTRA member dues

President’s Message

Dear ACTRA Toronto members,

On March 4, over 200 members came together for two ACTRA Toronto Town Halls to learn more about the upcoming dues referendum. They asked important questions, shared their perspectives and engaged in meaningful discussions about issues that impact all of us in our working lives.

There was both support and criticism for the referendum, but what was abundantly clear is that members care deeply about the health and well-being of our union. There is a strong desire to stay informed and work together to solve the challenges we face collectively.

No matter where you land when you cast your vote, this referendum has already brought us together over an issue of great importance. While the ACTRA National Council approved the motion for this referendum, it is your vote that will ultimately determine whether we make this change to the ACTRA National Constitution.

During the Town Halls, we presented the facts about ACTRA Toronto’s financial stability, which you can review here and here. We spoke at length about the factors that have contributed to our current financial state, including the reality that the dues structure has remained unchanged for 18 years. We also discussed how this stagnation has limited our ability to grow and strengthen ACTRA Toronto’s operations.

Members shared a vision for a more transparent, communicative union—one that is ready to take on the fights that matter, both at and beyond the bargaining table. That vision is only possible with a strong and stable ACTRA.

As an ACTRA member, your participation in this referendum is crucial. If it passes, ACTRA Toronto will remain strong, effective, and ready to advocate on your behalf. Regardless of the amount you contribute in dues each year, your value to this union extends far beyond financial support. You are part of a vital creative workforce that sustains a $3-billion industry in Ontario and employs over 45,000 Ontarians.

I believe—like so many of you do—that ACTRA is the best vehicle we have to assert our rights, win better wages, and secure essential benefits and protections. By voting, you are engaging in a democratic process that will shape our union’s future.

The referendum opens today, Thursday, March 6, at 12:00 PM ET.

From March 6 to March 20, 2025, ACTRA members across the country will vote on a proposed change to our dues structure. The last time dues were adjusted was nearly two decades ago and, since then, the cost of defending and strengthening performers’ rights has increased significantly.

ACTRA’s National Council has put forward a proposal that reflects our commitment to maintaining strong member services while keeping dues fair and equitable. Now, it’s up to you—the members—to decide.

Why is your vote important?
Every single vote counts. Whether you support the proposed changes or not, it is imperative that you exercise your right to vote.

How to vote:
Today, March 6, eligible voters will receive an email with a unique voting link and instructions on how to cast their ballot. Voting is quick and easy, and voters will have until March 20 at 12:00 PM ET to make their voice heard.

If you have any questions about the referendum, please visit ACTRA Toronto’s website or contact your ACTRA Toronto Council directly. The Town Hall videos are also available for you to watch (please check your inbox for the March 5 or March 6 eblast from ACTRA Toronto to watch the Town Hall video recordings). The first 15 minutes of each provides a breakdown of the dues proposal you’re being asked to support in this referendum.

This is a pivotal moment for our union. I urge you to take part in this important decision and help guide ACTRA Toronto into the future.

In solidarity,
Kate Ziegler
ACTRA Toronto President

Click here to read past President’s Messages.

Town Hall

ACTRA Toronto members were invited to attend one of two virtual Town Halls on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, where you had the opportunity to hear about and share your thoughts on the upcoming ACTRA dues referendum. Members were invited to join us as we provided important information and the opportunity to have your questions answered by ACTRA Toronto President Kate Ziegler, ACTRA Toronto Treasurer Paul Constable, your elected ACTRA Toronto Council members and staff.

The first Town Hall took place from 12-2 p.m. ET and the second from 7:30-9:30 p.m. ET.

ACTRA Toronto members – please check your inbox for the March 5 or March 6 eblast from ACTRA Toronto to watch the Town Hall video recordings.

Fighting for Performers: An Update on ACTRA Member Dues

ACTRA is taking an important step to strengthen our union. After 18 years without change, we’re updating member dues to ensure we can continue fighting for performers today and in the future.

Why This Matters

For decades, Canadian performers have faced increasing challenges and in recent years, these pressures have only intensified:

A devastating 1,000+ day commercial lockout
Two major U.S. labour disruptions
Ongoing legal battles
Mounting pressure on Canada’s cultural sector
The pandemic’s impact on productions
An uncertain political landscape
The threat of AI to our livelihood

Through it all, ACTRA has fought tirelessly to protect performers’ rights, negotiate stronger contracts, and advocate for equality and fairness in the industry. But to continue this work, ACTRA must remain stronger than ever.

How ACTRA is Funded

Like all unions, ACTRA is funded primarily by member dues—the foundation that allows us to protect performers’ rights, negotiate stronger contracts, and advocate for fairness and equality.

Our dues structure has remained unchanged for 18 years, despite inflation rising 41%. After extensive discussions by the National and Branch Councils, ACTRA is making the necessary decision to update dues to ensure we can continue fighting for performers—today and into the future.

What’s Changing?

Basic Annual Dues

A carefully considered adjustment from $195 to $225 in 2025, then $250 in 2026 and beyond, ensuring ACTRA has the resources to keep fighting for performers.

Working Dues

A small increase from 2.25% to 2.5% of gross earnings starting in 2026, giving members time to prepare.

Dues Cap Update

The $4,000 dues cap (combined basic and working dues) will increase to $7,000 (exclusive of basic dues) in 2025, which affects only those members who earn over $169,000 per year.

Dues are tax deductible. Note: Full members who have met the requirements for Senior status pay 50% of the regular basic dues amount. To qualify, you must have been an active Full member for 10 years and have reached the age of 65.

Why This Matters for Performers

These updates allow ACTRA to continue advocating for performers at every level, ensuring:

Fair wages and better working conditions
Stronger protections for performers’ rights in a rapidly evolving industry
Safe, equitable, respectful and harassment-free workplaces
A fair compensation model that values performers’ contributions
A voice for Canadian stories on screen
Protections from the threat of AI to our livelihood

Next Steps: Your Vote Matters

We are asking members to support this update to ensure the strength and stability of our union. A Constitutional Referendum vote for eligible full members began on March 6, 2025, at 12 p.m. ET and will close on March 20, 2025, at 12 p.m. ET.

ACTRA will provide social media posts, emails, FAQs, and additional resources to ensure every member understands what this update means and why it is necessary.

This is more than just an update—it’s an opportunity for ACTRA performers to unite and protect the future of our industry.

Talk to your fellow members. Stay informed. Share the message.

ACTRA needs to be ready—now more than ever. For the fight. For the future.

Voter Information

ACTRA has engaged ElectionBuddy, a third-party online voting software company, to conduct the online vote for the Dues Update Referendum. Conducting this vote by online ballot allows you to vote in a reliable and secure way. ElectionBuddy will ensure complete anonymity and confidentiality for eligible voters. Because the vote is being conducted by a third-party, ACTRA will not have any knowledge of who has voted.

You will receive an email when voting opens at 12:00 p.m. ET on March 6, 2025, from: <invitations @ mail.electionbuddy.com> (it is recommended you add this email address to your email contacts so it is less likely to be filtered into your spam/junk folder).
The E-mail will include your unique access key (this is your unique secure hyperlink to access the online voting site). Click on your unique access key hyperlink and you will be taken to the online voting site.
Enter your ACTRA Member Number into the online voting site exactly as it appears on your ACTRA membership card (including the hyphen: XX-XXXXX) and click submit. You will then be prompted to cast your vote.

The voting period closes at 12:00 p.m. ET on March 20, 2025.

Questions:
For questions about online voting and voting eligibility, please contact ElectionBuddy’s help desk at actra@electionbuddy.com between 9:00 a.m. ET and 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is ACTRA seeking to adjust member dues?

ACTRA has not adjusted its dues structure in 18 years, despite inflation increasing by 41% over that time. Over the past five years alone, the industry has faced major disruptions, including the 1,000+ day commercial lockout, the pandemic and two major U.S. labour actions. To continue protecting performers, negotiating fair contracts and advocating for our industry, ACTRA must strengthen its financial foundation.

2. How will this dues adjustment benefit me as a performer?

The dues adjustment will ensure ACTRA has the resources to continue to:

Negotiate better contracts with higher wages and improved protections.
Defend performers’ rights in an evolving industry, including addressing issues like artificial intelligence (AI) and outdated residual models.
Advocate for stronger workplace safety, fair pay and anti-harassment measures.
Support Canadian content production and protect performers’ place in the industry.
Maintain and expand member services.

3. How will my dues change?

If the Constitutional Referendum passes, the dues update will be implemented over a two-year period:

Year 1 (2025): basic dues will increase by $30 (from $195 to $225); there will be no increase to working dues in 2025, but the dues cap will be increased from $4,000 (including basic dues) to $7,000 (excluding basic dues).

Year 2 (2026): basic dues will increase by an additional $25 (from $225 to $250); working dues will increase by 0.25% to 2.5% of gross earnings (from 2.25%). The working dues cap will remain at $7,000 (excluding basic dues).

For performers who earn more than $169,000 in a calendar year, the current combined dues cap of $4,000 means no additional working dues are paid after that level is reached. The increase of the dues cap means that those high-earning members (i.e. those earning above $169,000) will continue to pay working dues on every dollar earned up to a maximum of $7,000 (excluding basic dues).

Note: Full members who have met the requirements for Senior status pay 50% of the regular basic dues amount. To qualify, you must have been an active Full member for 10 years and have reached the age of 65.

4. What does this mean to me and my pay?

In 2025, the basic dues increase will average out to an additional $2.50 per month. There is no increase to working dues in 2025.

In 2026, the basic dues increase will average out to an additional $2.08 per month more than 2025. With a 0.25% increase to working dues, that means you will provide $0.25 to ACTRA for every $100 you earn in Gross Fees. As a generic example:

2025 with 2.25% working dues:

Gross Fee = $2,100 (($1,000.00 Daily Fee + $1,100.00 (110% Use Fee))

Working dues deduction = Gross Fee x 2.25% = $47.25

Total take home pay (before 12.5% in benefits added) = $2,052.75

Running the same scenario for 2026 with 2.50% working dues:

Gross Fee = $2,100 ($1,000.00 Daily Fee + $1,100.00 (110% Use Fee))

Working dues deduction = Gross Fee x 2.50% = $52.50

Total take home pay (before 12.5% insurance and retirement benefits added) = $2,047.50

5. When will the new dues rates take effect?

The dues change will take effect in the 2025 dues period. ACTRA Toronto Full member dues must be paid by May 31, 2025.

6. Are dues tax-deductible?

Yes! ACTRA dues are tax-deductible.

7. Will this be a one-time adjustment or will there be more changes in the future?

This change is necessary to maintain ACTRA’s strength and effectiveness. The dues changes will roll out over the next 2 years. ACTRA will continue to evaluate its financial position to ensure it can keep fighting for performers in a sustainable way.

8. What will happen if ACTRA doesn’t raise dues?

Without these adjustments, ACTRA would face significant financial strain that could impact the union’s ability to:

Negotiate stronger contracts.
Advocate effectively for performers’ rights.
Fight against industry challenges, such as the commercial lockout or the ongoing threat of AI.
Provide services and protections members rely on.

9. How does ACTRA use membership dues?

Membership dues fund the essential work ACTRA does, including:

Negotiating ACTRA’s collective agreements to achieve fair wages and better working conditions.
Enforcing collective agreements and protecting members’ rights.
Lobbying for Canadian cultural protections, funding, competitive tax incentives and public policy changes on a national, provincial and municipal level.
Defending performers against industry changes, like Artificial Intelligence, that threaten their livelihoods.
Providing services like education/training, workshops and member advocacy.

10. Is ACTRA doing anything else to secure funding outside of updating dues?

Yes! ACTRA continually seeks alternative funding sources, including working with industry partners, securing grants and advocating for government support. However, member dues remain the primary source of ACTRA’s funding and ensures the union’s independence and ability to fight for performers’ rights.

11. Who is eligible to vote in the dues referendum?

All ACTRA Full (including Life) members in good standing as of January 31, 2025 are eligible to vote in the dues update referendum.

12. Are all ACTRA members (Full, Apprentice and AABP) required to pay basic and working dues?

Only full ACTRA members pay basic dues. Full Members have working dues deducted at source on each engagement.

13. What can I do to help?

Stay informed by reading our eblasts, following us on social and sharing accurate information with your sibling members.
Participate in ACTRA’s advocacy efforts to strengthen performers’ rights.
Engage in discussions about how ACTRA can best serve its members.
Support the dues increase so ACTRA can continue protecting you and your sibling performers today and in the future.

Additional question(s)?

Please contact your ACTRA Toronto Council members here.