Directors Guild of America President Taylor Hackford today announced that the DGA membership has overwhelmingly voted to ratify the new collective bargaining agreements between the DGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
“The extraordinarily positive response by DGA members demonstrates their support for the new contract,” said Hackford. “We achieved significant gains including a sizeable increase in contributions on regular compensation, first-time ever contributions on Completion of Assignment Pay and Vacation Pay, and the establishment of a new tier in Basic Cable, among other important gains. I’m proud of what this Guild has achieved and pleased to see the strength and unity of our membership as illustrated by this vote.”
Negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which began on Tuesday, November 16, concluded on Tuesday, December 7. Talks were led by Negotiations Chair Gil Cates and DGA National Executive Director Jay D. Roth. On December 8, the DGA’s National Board of Directors unanimously recommended sending the contract to members for ratification. A summary of the new contract was mailed to members, along with a voting ballot, and the results were tallied today.
“I am proud of the Negotiations Committee, the professional staff of the DGA and the accomplishments of our efforts together. The gains in the new contract are truly meaningful for our directors and our members who work as part of the directorial team,” said Cates. “Protecting the health benefits of DGA members, retirees and their families was our top negotiating priority and remains one of the most important things we do as a Guild. The new contract, in addition to incorporating gains like a new tier in Basic Cable, will provide for a more equitable, sustainable way of providing health benefits for our members.”
The new contract’s three-year term will take effect on July 1, 2011 and will run through June 30, 2014.