"The workplace has changed dramatically in the last 15 years and we have done everything in our power to maintain a quality service for our listeners and viewers, almost in spite of management. All our hard work for this slap in the face."

30 September 2004

A progressive plan for the future

CBC bargaining update

Canadian Media Guild | TNG Canada Local 30213

The Canadian Media Guild bargaining team has responded to the Corporation's recent proposal of a workforce made up of disposable contract employees. It has tabled progressive and comprehensive contract language on employment status at the CBC.

The Guild believes that ongoing work at the CBC is permanent work. This is a fundamental principle.

The CMG proposal is designed to simplify the way people are now hired. The goal is to treat everyone fairly, to give employees the chance to develop a meaningful career path that balances work and life outside work, and to make sure employees are properly compensated regardless of their employment status.

The Guild recognizes there are occasions when permanent staff need to be supported or augmented — for backup, for emergencies or for special circumstances or events. Our proposal envisions two types of employees: permanent and non-permanent.

The National Diversity Development Initiative

Within the permanent workforce, the Guild also envisions a new system to ensure the CBC better mirrors Canadian society.

For some time, the Corporation has been talking about the importance of hiring people to reflect the communities in which we live. We agree.

The problem is that most people in diverse groups are hired into temporary employment. We think that's wrong.

If the Corporation is truly committed to a diverse and reflective workforce, then people should be hired into permanent jobs. Plain and simple.

The Guild is proposing a National Diversity Development Initiative. It would allow people in diverse groups to be hired as permanent employees with a plan developed at the time of hiring to ensure they have a position at the end of a training and mentoring period. These positions would be in addition to existing permanent jobs.

Our Members Speak

When we reported last week on the Corporation's proposal to expand the use of temporary and contract employment, the response was swift and clear. No.

Here's a sampling of the feedback:

"The protections management are proposing to take away are so fundamental we should not give an inch."

"I am deeply offended by the Corporation's contempt for its long-term employees. The workplace has changed dramatically in the last 15 years and we have done everything in our power to maintain a quality service for our listeners and viewers, almost in spite of management. All our hard work for this slap in the face.

"Further, I'm sure seasoned employees have ideas too. However, we've been so busy shoring up, we haven't had time to brainstorm and be creative. What makes management think these new employees are going to be any better at it?"

"Sounds like CBC wants a strike. Anyone with any connection to human resources knows that employees want/need stability and security ... including permanent status with benefits. What a pile of hooey."

We also heard from young people who challenge the Corporation's view that they don't want careers at the CBC:

"What young people are they talking to who say they don't want job security, pensions? In fact, I think the lack of secure opportunities is what is driving young people away from the CBC."

"This January will mark my third anniversary with the CBC. I've been employed on back-to-back-to-back full-time contracts with no indication that the Corporation plans to keep me on staff beyond my current contract. It's frustrating and demoralizing."

The Corporation's proposal is based on a belief that new ideas in broadcasting depend on new people. Yet Harold Redekopp, a former Vice President of both Radio and Television, said last week in his departing message about existing staff:

"We have faced many challenges together, and we have overcome them with creativity, ingenuity, flexibility, resourcefulness, determination and passion."

We agree.

The State of Bargaining

To date the CBC has not yet responded to CMG's proposal. The Guild and the Corporation have now exchanged contract language on more than 50 articles. We will continue to work towards a fair collective agreement, building one contract which addresses the interests of all our members.

We meet the Corporation again on October 12.

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