Equity Wins Increased Health Rates in New Four-Year BAT Agreement
Health rates which increase from $148 to $150 per actor in the first year, $155 in the second, $162 in the third, and $168 in the final year highlight the new four-year BAT (Bay Area Theatre) agreement. There are also modest salary increases--0% in the first year, 1% in the second, 2% in the third and 3% in the fourth year, plus an increase in the Dance Captain increment; increase in per diem for housing without kitchen facilities and additional tech week compensation for Stage Managers. The agreement was approved by the Western Regional Board and signed by representatives of seven BAT theatres.
Other improvements include an additional day of general auditions each year, increase in time for the posting of audition notices, language requiring best efforts to provide a telephone and internet access in housing facilities and increased conversion rights.
Western Regional Director Mary Lou Westerfield was Chief Negotiator for Equity, assisted by Bethany Umbach and Lawrencia Colding-Souza. The Negotiating Team was composed of Vernon Willet, Chair; Kelly Ground, First Vice Chair; Michael Dotson, Phoebe Moyer; Heath Belden and Alternate, Stephen Pawley.
