ST. JOHN’S, NL, Aug. 23, 2024 /CNW/ – Unifor is extraordinarily disheartened after affirmation that at the moment is the final day of labor for a lot of members of Native 441-G at The Telegram and its Austin St. printing press, after receiving their official layoff notices.
“This can be a darkish day for journalism, and for the devoted staff who’ve given their blood, sweat and tears – some for many years – at this historic printing press that has operated for practically 150 years,” stated Unifor Nationwide President Lana Payne.
“This personally looks like a punch within the intestine, as The Telegram was my first dwelling in journalism. We are going to proceed to assist our members any means we will, together with those that might be transferred to Postmedia, throughout this unsure time. We have to cease the bleeding on this trade, and we want governments to step as much as assist.”
There are 37 Unifor Native 441-G members working as reporters, videographers, printing press operators, and in promoting at The Telegram – with nearly all of members working in printing press operations.
The union advocated for members’ jobs and for native journalism as Postmedia and SaltWire labored by way of the CCAA course of within the courts. Through the court docket hearings, authorized counsel for Unifor expressed considerations over the destiny of the Austin St. printing press, which was not included in Postmedia’s Asset Buy Settlement, stating the omission of this facility within the deal creates uncertainty about the way forward for that operation and consequently the way forward for print media in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In an August 14 letter to Premier Andrew Furey, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray requested a gathering to debate choices for protecting the press operational. The closure of this facility would go away Newfoundland and Labrador as the one province with out the flexibility to print newspapers.
The Premier’s workplace responded on August 22 to Unifor’s request for a gathering, and the 2 events are working to search out the primary out there time to fulfill.
“Native information is important in each neighborhood, however significantly in lots of the extra rural communities of Newfoundland and Labrador,” stated Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray.
“It’s actually heartbreaking to witness the closure of the province’s solely extensive format press that additionally providers different neighborhood publications and pamphlets for labour, neighborhood and authorities purchasers. This may have a dangerous ripple impact on the province, impacting how Newfoundlanders and Labradorians perceive and work together with their communities.”
Unifor continues to interact with the monitor and the employer to advocate for members and can present further info when it turns into out there.
Unifor represents greater than 10,000 media staff, together with journalists within the broadcast and print information trade.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union within the non-public sector, representing 320,000 staff in each main space of the economic system. The union advocates for all working folks and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and overseas and strives to create progressive change for a greater future.
For media inquiries, please contact Unifor Nationwide Communications Consultant: Jenny Yuen at [email protected] or (416) 938-6157.
SOURCE Unifor
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