2014.12.08 | CWA Canada Local 30111 | Montreal Newspaper Guild
Members at Montreal Gazette ratify new deal
Members of the Montreal Newspaper Guild have voted overwhelmingly in favour of ratifying an improved contract offer from Postmedia.
The 126 CWA Canada members who work at The Gazette in Montreal, who had been scheduled to hold a strike vote on Dec. 4, turned it into a ratification vote instead, said staff representative David Wilson.
“This is the best deal we’ve negotiated with a Postmedia newspaper in the last two years,” said Wilson.
The three-year agreement, which will expire in November 2017, provides for annual wage increases of 1.0, 1.0 and 1.5 per cent. However, there were signing bonuses ranging from a minimum of $250 for part-timers to $500 for full-time staff.
There were also improvements to vision care and the mileage rate for use of personal vehicles. Additionally, said Wilson, members can cash out one week’s worth of legacy vacation over the second and third years of the agreement.
“Although the members were disappointed with the money (wage increases), there was nothing concessionary in this agreement,” said Wilson.
The MNG represents workers in Information Technology, Editorial, Business Office, Reader Sales & Service, Retail Advertising and Classified Advertising.