Chronicle Herald’s CEO Mark Lever would be laughing all the way to the bank if a recent proposal to subsidize Canadian print media gets traction. There is something seriously wrong with that.
The Herald strike has now been going on for an unbelievable 511 days. The NS Advocate went to a rally and barbecue organized to show the workers that they haven’t been forgotten.
A quick update on our friends at the striking Chronicle Herald newsroom, now that talks broke down once again earlier this month. Their list of concessions is a long one.
Today was the sad anniversary of the Chronicle Herald strike. Newsroom workers and supporters are as determined as ever to get a fair deal. “We are not going to cave in. This is about quality journalism and quality jobs, and if we want that we need to fight for it.”
In January 2016 the Nova Scotia Advocate did a story on Tom Ayers, striking Chronicle Herald reporter in Sydney, Cape Breton. Almost a year later, with the strike still dragging on, we thought we’d give him another call. Ayers talks about settling into his new daily routine, the impressive support from the community, and how he gained a new understanding of what union solidarity is all about.
A letter from Danny Cavanagh, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL), asking locals affiliated with his organization to consider making a much-needed donation to the Chronicle Herald newsroom workers. It’s not easy to make ends meet on just strike pay. We are re-posting Danny’s letter in the hope that some of our readers will decide to also make a donation. After all, it’s that time of the year.
The many arts organizations that are refusing to have any dealings with the Chronicle Herald during the strike are paying a high price for their principled stand. Not only do we owe them our gratitude, we should support them in any way we can.
Martin O’Hanlon, president of CWA Canada, the union that is engaged in a defensive strike against the Chronicle Herald, sets the record straight. “The saddest part about this dispute is that it is so unnecessary. As a responsible union, we understand when a company is facing financial challenges and we’re willing to help. That’s why we have agreed to major monetary concessions.”
The Chronicle Herald strike is approaching its ten-months mark, but the Herald owners continue to refuse to engage in real bargaining. As the first talks in six months fall apart the union files a Labour Board complaint, and a mean-spirited owner tells the workers it will never compromise.