The GBC Lockout
interview with Locked Out CBE Employee

Nicole Burton, News Editor

 

   
 

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The dispute between CBC employees and management
has been raging for well over a month. On August 15,
employees of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
(CBC) were locked out from coast to coast for refusing
a reduction in their job status, going from “permanent”
work to “non-permanent” or “casual” work. This cut in
the condition of jobs would eliminate such basic rights
as benefits, vacation pay, job security, and sick leave for
thousands working with the company. Because both
CBC and its employees are Canada-wide, the conse-
quences of the dispute are far-reaching.

So, while the CBC itself is visibly missing for mil-
lions of listeners and viewers, the clash between man-
agement and workers remains squarely in the public’s
sight.

The Other Press caught up with one locked out
CBC worker to glean some insight into the issues.

Why were CBC workers locked out on August 15th?

The CBC locked out hosts, writers, producers,
reporters, technicians, camera operators, set designers,
researchers, and all the administrative workers who sup-
port them—5,500 union members in total. They did
this because the Canadian Media Guild (CMG) and the
CBC were unable to settle a dispute over management’s
demand for more temporary contract workers.

What’s in dispute between CBC employers and the
locked out workers?

The CBC wants a flexible workforce that makes for
a better bottom line. The workers want a measure of
job security and some sort of commitment from their
employer. The CBC wants to save money and the

workers want to know that they have a job from month

to month. [The issue is] flexibility vs. stability.

How has this situation affected you and other
workers at CBC?

It’s a bloody nightmare. I don’t know one person
who wants to be on that picket line. Everyone wants to
be back at work. People can’t make their mortgage pay-
ments and the banks are showing little sympathy (imag-
ine that!). I’m a single parent and I could just afford
school supplies—never mind the fact that I ¢
one month’s rent in the bank. It’s brutal
Right now, the Telecommunication
(TWU) has also been locked out of
in BC and Alberta. How do you thi
lockout is related?

If you had asked me a couple o
there were any similarities betwe
I would have responded with a r
“no way.” But now, unfortunatel
common ground. Both corporations v;
line over their employees.
of the game and the liveli
scarcely a consideration,
happening to Telus, b

One of the big issues
job security and the
ed out. A lot of CBC’s en
recent college and university
it’s through journalism, broad
trades programs. How do you
this dispute affecting them?

that the “new workforce” isn’t interested in job secu

Well, as a person who got a job at the CBC right out of |

 
 
 

"union and managen

college, I say bullshit. I can’t speak for everyone of
course, but I like to know that I can make my next six

studentdoan payments. I like to be able to get a bank
loan. | appreciate, medical and dental benefits. Grads

wanting to work forsthe CBC should support the work-
ers. It’s their job security we're fighting for here.
Personally, I do believe there’s room for contract work-
ers at the CBC. I am or I was one before this lockout.
But, there has to be some sort of incentive. Some hope

     
          
    
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  

that you can move imte something more permanent if

you want to and are qualified to do so. Hopefully, the
an find some middle ground,

and soon!

 

  

ote information about the
support CBC workers?

How can studen

ket line at 700 Hamilton. We
or you to sign that we regular-
tact your local MP or write
ou can find contact info
Like most media peo-
. If you can’t come down
_us online, via “podcasts” and

a~ckout, check

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