2012.03.09 | CWA Canada Local 30213 | Canadian Media Guild
Tentative deal struck at The Canadian Press
An inspiring display of member solidarity has resulted in a tentative agreement at The Canadian Press news service.
The breakthrough came after the company dropped a number of major concessionary demands in the face of rock solid opposition from the union's 240 members. A ratification vote is to be held before the end of this month.
Covered under the collective agreement are reporters, photographers, editors, IT and office staff.
CP, a news co-operative that officially became a for-profit company last summer, had wanted wage, pension and benefit concessions that would have taken millions of dollars from members' pockets. In the end, the company agreed to a modest wage increase while the union made reasonable concessions on benefits and pension repayment to give some financial relief.
"We feel this deal represents the best solution for our members and the company at a very difficult time," said Terry Pedwell, CP branch president for the Canadian Media Guild. "We want to thank everyone across the country for standing firm over the past four months."
CWA Canada Director Martin O'Hanlon, who is on leave from his job as parliamentary editor at CP, said the deal demonstrates once again the power we have when we stand together.
"Over the years, CPers have sacrificed a lot to help the company. We know the new CP is facing financial challenges and we're willing to do our part, but the outrageous concessions they were demanding were a slap in the face and people said 'enough'. With this deal, hopefully we can move forward collaboratively for the good of the company and the members."
Here are the highlights of the three-year deal:
- Across-the-board wage increases totalling four per cent over the life of the agreement, starting next year
- Maintains shift premiums and vacation entitlements
- Improvements to scheduling and hours for part-time employees
- Employees to pay 25 per cent of cost of health premiums and 100 per cent of LTD premium; benefits paid under LTD will now be tax-free
- Pension payback remains in place, but temporary relief to the employer on interest payments