2016.01.20 | CWA Canada Local 30130 | Halifax Typographical Union
Herald rejects major concessions offered by newsroom union
In a last-ditch attempt to avoid a lockout, the Halifax Typographical Union (HTU) offered major concessions to the Chronicle Herald in a conciliation session today, but met with outright rejection.
Management informed the union the company intends to impose a new set of working conditions as of 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
As a result, the union said in a news release, it intends to immediately file a 48-hour strike notice. However, management has said it would impose a lockout before a strike could take place.
“We believe the company’s strategy is nothing short of union-busting,” said HTU president Ingrid Bulmer.
The HTU also announced that, in the event of a work stoppage, it intends to launch a news website called Local Xpress.
The concessions offered during today’s meeting include:
- An immediate five-per-cent wage cut across the board and no wage increases for the next two years;
- A 25-per-cent reduction in starting salaries for new reporters and photographers;
- Placing a cap on severance;
- Reducing the mileage rate by 17 per cent;
- Reducing vacation allotment.
Unlike the union, the Chronicle Herald’s position has remained unchanged since bargaining started in October. “We believe the company was always intent on locking out its 61 unionized editorial employees,” said Bulmer.
Were the HTU to agree to the company’s demands on jurisdiction and seniority, “we would be giving away all job security, some access to severance pay and layoff protection tied to seniority.”
“The union is willing to continue negotiations. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, we ask readers and advertisers to suspend their subscriptions and advertisements until a deal has been reached,” said the release.
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
David Wilson, CWA Canada staff representative: 613-850-5423
Ingrid Bulmer, HTU president: 902-210-3465
Frank Campbell, HTU vice-president: 902-883-9048