More than 120 members of CWA Canada face the prospect of a lockout and a strike if they don’t accept a Postmedia demand for massive givebacks coming at the same time as the company CEO has received a huge salary increase.
Members of the Ottawa Newspaper Guild began voting Sunday under the threat of lockout Thursday if they don’t accept the so-called deal. Meanwhile, members of the Montreal Guild say they will strike in support of the brothers and sisters if Ottawa is locked out.
Montreal, which Postmedia also owns, is facing the same demand for givebacks.
The 63 members employed by The Ottawa Citizen and the Ottawa Sun are feeling bullied by the company’s tactics, said Lois Kirkup, vice president of the ONG (CWA Canada Local 30205). Members are scared and angry, she said.
“And that was their tactic – to scare people into voting for a really lousy deal,” she said.
During the almost three years of bargaining, Postmedia CEO Paul Godfrey has received a 33 percent pay increase and bonuses while the Ottawa workers haven’t had a pay increase in six years.
Postmedia is demanding concessions on health benefits and sick leave that could cost ONG members thousands of dollars – members who already made concessions on the pension plan.
The 58 members of the Montreal Guild (CWA Canada Local 30111) who work at The Gazette will strike in solidarity, local President Ron Carroll said.
The executive board of the Communications Workers of America has granted strike approval at the request of CWA Canada President Martin O’Hanlon.