Actors and performers could strike as early as Oct. 15, after labor talks broke down on Friday between ACTRA and Canada’s advertising agencies, following 17 months of negotiations.

ACTRA says it has requested a conciliation officer’s report, which could put the union in a legal strike position next month.

While the performers union is ‘not looking to strike,’ according to comments in a release by ACTRA National president Richard Hardacre, it will ‘not agree to a contract with the advertisers that would significantly decrease performers’ earnings at the same time as advertising agencies are making huge profits.’

Hardacre says additional negotiating dates are planned. A major sticking point has been an effort by ad agencies to redefine job categories and new media provisions in the contract.

ACTRA’s 21,000 members are currently voting in a strike referendum.