20 April 2004

CBC reneges on promise to redeploy
Guild members affected by reorganization

Canadian Media Guild | TNG Canada Local 30213

The CBC has advised the Canadian Media Guild that it has begun issuing redundancy notices to more than 30 Unit 1 members in Toronto working primarily at Disclosure, Sports Journal and TV sports.

The Guild was advised at 6 p.m. yesterday of the impending notices. This in spite of an assurance two weeks ago that the Corporation was seeking redeployments for members affected by program reorganization.

"It's now more than obvious that Corporation officials lied at that meeting," says Dan Oldfield, CMG Senior Staff Representative. "It's also interesting to note that several members with more than 25 years of service have been targeted – clearly not the most junior employees, as required by the collective agreement."

The CMG is exploring its legal options, which include the possibility of a complaint before the Canada Industrial Relations Board. Meanwhile, the local executive and staff members have made themselves available to consult with affected employees.

The notices are not terminations; they constitute the beginning of a process which may result in layoffs. "The Guild will do everything it can to ensure that employees' rights are protected and maintained during this difficult process," says CMG national President Lise Lareau. "We are currently attempting to arrange a meeting with CBC's Industrial Relations officials to ensure the collective agreement is honoured."

(This story first appeared on the Canadian Media Guild web site.)