Canadian Media Guild reaches tentative agreement for Saint John Seven

The tentative agreement has language on job security, on scheduling and includes provisions for dealing with disputes.  There is also a signing bonus and new wage scales.

Saint John (29 May 2014) — After more than two years of negotiations, a strike and a lockout, bargainers for Maritime Broadcasting System (MBS) Limited and the Canadian Media Guild (CMG) have come to terms on a new four-year collective agreement for employees in Saint John, New Brunswick.

It is a first agreement between the parties and was achieved with the assistance of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

After 22 months on strike, employer locked out workers

The CMG had called an end to its 22-month strike by seven unionized radio employees at MBS Radio in Saint John, New Brunswick effective May 12.  The employer, MBS, responded by locking out the employees and not letting them return to work without a collective agreement.

The Guild filed a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board alleging that MBS has been bargaining in bad faith and is trying to break the union. Shortly afterwards, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service scheduled a meeting with both sides on May 16 to try to bring about a settlement.

Hope that both parties can move ahead

The deal includes language on job security, on scheduling and includes provisions for dealing with dispute resolution. Members will also receive a signing bonus and new wage scales. The parties hope this marks the beginning of an “orderly and harmonious relationship."

Under the terms, the workers will be back on the job as of June 16.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE