VANCOUVER — British Columbia producers and the American studios have inked a new three-year deal with the B.C. Council of Film Unions, giving film and TV employees in the province a 2% annual wage hike and increased producer contributions to union health programs.

The B.C. Council of Film Unions represents over 10,000 behind-the-scenes film and TV employees in the province through its member unions, which include the Motion Picture Studio Production Technicians, IATSE Local 891, Teamsters Union Local No. 155 and IATSE Local 669.

Negotiating on behalf of producers was the CFTPA-B.C. Producers’ Branch and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers Canadian affiliates, representing U.S. production companies and studios.

Marcus Handman, business agent at IATSE Local 669, says that the deal is a good one for his membership, particularly in light of the fiscal climate facing Canada and the U.S.

‘We are pleased that we made some gains, especially in respect to the current economic issues,’ he says. ‘The wage increase of 2% per year will allow members to keep up with inflation and perhaps even get ahead. And the health benefits were a critical issue. Costs have been going up, so an increased contribution from producers is welcome to our membership.’

Most importantly, Handman says the renewed master agreement with council member unions — effective to March 2012 — will help continue to stimulate the growth of the B.C. industry.

‘This agreement provides stability, which is a great message to be sending to our partners right now,’ he explains. ‘Producers may not know what is going to happen with the dollar or the economy, but they know that B.C. labor is stable for the next three years.’