Global Montreal employees reject "final" offer

MONTREAL, June 5, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Last night, the employees of Global Montreal rejected a final offer from the employer, Corus Entertainment, for the renewal of their collective agreement. 91% voted against the offer, with almost 90% of members participating in the electronic vote. In addition to the main stumbling block of protecting purchasing power, benefits and the pension plan also are in dispute. 

In terms of wages, the employer's offer, for a period of four years, provided for the payment of a lump sum for the first year, followed by annual increases of 1.5% for each of the following three years. These increases, possibly below the inflation threshold, would have been funded largely by the employees themselves, agreeing to reductions in the pay structure.

"The employees of Global Montreal are united in their determination, as demonstrated by the result of the vote. Their union negotiating committee has a solid mandate to protect their purchasing power after years of sacrifice. We will remain mobilized, and in the coming days, we will file a request for conciliation with the Federal Ministry of Employment and Social Development," stated Anne Leclair, President of Local 4502 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

These 40 or so employees, who include journalists, video journalists, and technical and support staff, have been without a collective agreement since August 30, 2019. Negotiations began in early 2020.

With nearly 122,000 members in Quebec, CUPE represents some 7,700 workers in the province's communications sector. CUPE is also present in the following sectors: social affairs, education, universities, energy, municipalities, Quebec government corporations and public agencies, air and land transportation, the mixed sector, and maritime transport. It is the largest affiliate of the FTQ.

SOURCE Canadian Union of Public Employees (FTQ)