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Global-TV employees to form single union

5/4/01

Ottawa - Approximately 1,000 unionized employees working in Global television stations across the country have taken action to improve their position with Canada's largest media empire CanWest Global.

The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, the union representing the employees, has submitted an application for a single bargaining certificate with the Canada Industrial Relations Board. The single certificate would cover 12 union
locals from Halifax to Victoria. The workers currently bargain locally with the television stations.

"It is time we recognized the reality that these members are working for the same employer, not individual stations," said Peter Murdoch, Vice-President Media for the CEP.

The union held separate votes nationwide and received 93% in support of the common approach. The union represents both news and technical staff at the television stations.

"We are hopeful of establishing a better working relationship with the CanWest team based on the success of this application," said Murdoch.

"As these multi-national corporate giants grow larger, it should come as no surprise that many workers are returning to the foundations of their own history by locking arms to protect their interests against such immense wealth and power."

Murdoch said that no dates have been set for a hearing on the issue, but expects the process will not take long.

"We would hope Mr. Asper will be as enthusiastic about his employees getting together as he is about his own mergers."

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