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CAT Contract Extended

The Central Regional Board approved a one-year extension of the Chicago Area Theatres (CAT) Contract on May 5, 2008. The extended contract, which will expire on June 28, 2009, features salary increases of 1% on Tier 1, 1.5% on Tier 2, 2% on Tier 3, 2.5% on Tier 4, and 3% on Tiers 5 and 6. In addition, Equity achieved a substantial increase in the health rate on all Tiers.

The CAT Contract is a collectively bargained agreement for theatres with a seating capacity of 900 seats or less located within a perimeter of 35 miles from the Chicago city limits. The six CAT tiers vary in the number of weekly performances and weekly work hours permitted. Actors' minimum salaries range from $193.75 for four weekly performances and 25 hours on CAT Tier 1, to $721.00 for eight weekly performances and 48 hours on CAT Tier 6; Stage Managers' salaries range from $240.25 for four weekly performances and 26 hours on CAT Tier 1, to $862.25 for eight weekly performance and 52 hours on CAT Tier 6.