An update on ACTRA member dues

President’s Message

Dear ACTRA Toronto members,

It has been just over a week since dues referendum voting opened. We have heard from hundreds of members from all work categories — those who support the increase and those who oppose it. Many have called for more consultation, clearer communication and greater accountability before casting their vote.

This is one of the most important moments in our union’s history. The conversations happening right now — the questions and feedback — are a testament to how much this decision matters to all of us. Through this experience, I have come to recognize a few essential truths that sit at the heart of this referendum:

First, dues are the bricks and mortar of our union. They are the foundation that sustains our ability to enforce agreements, defend members’ rights, and protect our industry as a place where performers can build real careers. The dedicated staff at ACTRA Toronto ensure the gains we fight for are upheld and strengthened. Without them—and without the institutional structures we’ve built—progress slows, and hard-won victories become vulnerable.
Second, ACTRA cannot function effectively on a revenue model from 2007. No organization can remain strong without adjusting to the financial realities of today. If we want to keep fighting for performers in an increasingly volatile industry, we need the resources to do so. The proposed increase does not eliminate the deficit, but it would provide greater financial stability, ensuring the core services that support members remain strong.
Third, accountability must be at the heart of how we move forward. Members deserve to know why this increase is necessary, where the money goes now, and how additional funds will be used to reinforce the work your union does with and for you. ACTRA Toronto and ACTRA National must be accountable to members—not just during this referendum, but in all aspects of how we operate and advocate for performers.

I know this is not an easy decision. It is a vote that comes with contradictions, and I respect every member who is taking the time to weigh the issues and implications. Accountability, a modernized dues structure and a strong ACTRA Toronto are all essential to ensuring our livelihoods are protected.

No matter where you land, please vote. This is your union, your future, and your voice matters.

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.