BIWOC COMMITTEE

Our mission is to increase support and equity for members of diverse and colour backgrounds within the film, television, and digital media industries.

We are actively creating growth opportunities, advocating for and increasing the representation of members of diversity both in front and behind the camera. This committee will develop policies, mechanisms, and initiatives to facilitate change and hopes to raise awareness and dispel unconscious biases.

Chair: Samantha Rice, Costume Member
Co-chair: Esha Khan, Set Decoration Member

We welcome NABET 700-M UNIFOR Members and Permittees identifying as Black, Indigenous Peoples and People of Colour.

Partnerships


NABET 700-M UNIFOR has long advocated diversity in the film, television and digital media industry. We are committed to breaking down barriers and creating equitable and diverse film sets.

NABET 700-M UNIFOR, along with the City of Toronto and various community organizations, addresses diversity issues with an intersectional approach of women in non-traditional roles and people from diverse backgrounds.

Our collective efforts have created multiple opportunities within the industry, from paid apprenticeships to co-op student placements on sets, to providing access to free training courses and educational awareness to NABET 700-M UNIFOR and the unlimited career opportunities the film and television industry has to offer. We look forward to growing and strengthening these partnerships.

More Initiatives

  • Reelworld Screen Institute has launched the Reelworld Reframe: Women in Leadership initiative to enhance the representation of Black, Indigenous, and Women of Colour in leadership roles in the Canadian screen industry. Supported by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), this 33-month project aims to address systemic barriers and promote inclusivity.

    CLICK HERE for more information.

  • Reelworld Screen Institute and NABET 700-M UNIFOR have launched a mentorship program for emerging Black, Indigenous, South Asian, Asian and People of Colour technicians. This three-month initiative offers one-on-one guidance from industry professionals, helping below-the-line crew enhance their skills and build networks.

    CLICK HERE for more information.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Representative and Anti-Harassment


In 2021, NABET 700-M UNIFOR achieved a significant milestone by negotiating the inclusion of an on-set DEIB Representative role in our Collective Agreement. This is the first time such a position has been created to assist racialized workers with concerns related to harassment and violence in the workplace. As an added benefit, the Union also secured an extra $1 per hour for Members who take on this role.

If you have any concerns regarding racism, harassment or violence on set, please don't hesitate to reach out for assistance.

You can contact your NABET DEIB Representative, Women's Representative or Crew Representative or directly contact the NABET office to speak with your Membership Steward, Jackson Nguyen, Business Agent, Jayson Mosek, or your President.

Remember that timely documentation is essential, but each incident is unique. Feel free to ask any questions.