2011.12.05 | CWA Canada Local 30248 | Peterborough CWA

 

Members at Northumberland Today ratify new agreement

Unionized employees at the Northumberland News in southeastern Ontario have ratified a new collective agreement that contains meagre raises but no concessions.

The 15 members of Local 30248 produce the daily newspaper Northumberland Today (formerly the Cobourg Star and Port Hope Evening Guide).

The agreement, which increases wages by four per cent over three years, was ratified unanimously at a meeting of members in Cobourg on Nov. 30. 

"Although there were some improvements in the agreement such as cell and smart phone allowances, and better ad commissions, the overall wage increases were disappointing," said Nigel Sones, business agent for the Local.

"Nonetheless, our members were prepared to forgo an increase that reflected the cost of living, once again demonstrating their belief in the importance of the newspaper to the community."

Highlights of the agreement:

• Mileage reimbursement of 40 cents a kilometre based on a gasoline price of $1.12 a litre. For every four-cent increase in the price of gas, the rate increases by one cent a kilometre. The base rate will never go below 40 cents a kilometre.


• Cell phone allowance of $20 a month; smart phone allowance of $30 a month.


• Commission on national flyers 4.65 per cent; commission for servicing specialty features one per cent.


• Ad co-ordinator to be paid 0.5 per cent commission on Ad Impact Sales and 5 per cent on overall ad sales.


• $150 signing bonus.