AEA Members Overwhelmingly Ratify New Three-Year LORT Contract

Salaries Maintained During Economic Crisis, Goal Was To Keep Theatres Alive

By a margin of 96%, AEA members have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year LORT contract, which governs employment in 76 theatres represented by the League of Resident Theatres and 23 independent not-for-profit theatres. Of the 2520 valid ballots, 2430 members approved the contract and 90 voted no. The term of the agreement is from Feb 23, 2009, to Feb 26, 2012.

"This was an extraordinary negotiation that took place at the height of the financial crisis," said Executive Director John P. Connolly, who was Chief Negotiator. "With greatly diminished corporate and foundation support and reduced government funding, the LORT theatres were facing crippling economic challenges that have impacted cast size, the number of productions and in some instances, their ability to produce at all. Our goal was, and continues to be, to ensure the survival of these theatres so our members have jobs that provide decent wages, benefits and artistic challenge, through this recession and far into the future."

During a one-year extension of the LORT contract from 2008-2009, salaries, health rates and per diem were significantly increased. Because of the subsequent downturn in the economy, Equity and LORT therefore agreed to maintain salaries at current levels for two years, with a 2% increase in salaries in all categories in the third year of the agreement.

Recognizing the marketing and promotional opportunities for shows through new media, Equity and the LORT producers agreed to modifications to the televising, taping and recording rules to allow for a more flexible use of promotional clips, with a media payment that ensures members receive recognition for their participation. These payments will provide the first ever employer contributions to each member's 401(k) account, which Equity has been trying to achieve for years.

Other improvements were made that addressed the quality of auditions, Internet access, parental leave and safety issues.

In 2007-2008, the LORT Agreement generated over 60,000 work weeks, according to AEA's Annual Employment Report. Members' earnings exceeded $50 million during that period, prior to the current economic crisis.