As you all know, the union representatives at Reuters and at Thomson are working closely together in response to the proposed merger. The following is a joint statement to members on behalf of representatives of the NUJ at Reuters and Thomson, the Guild in the United States and Canada, and Unite in Reuters (Amicus-GPM).
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1) We are dissatisfied with the explanation for why the Trust Principles have been waived to allow the takeover and do not feel the questions raised in our open letter to the Trustees have been answered. We are pushing ahead in arranging a meeting with the head of the Trustees to seek further clarification.
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2) We are gravely concerned about the lack of transparency over what this deal means for staff. The unions are jointly seeking meetings with senior management to obtain clarification on jobs.
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3) We are renewing a demand for a meeting of the European Works Council, a consultative body grouping management and staff representatives from around Europe, and required by law to meet to discuss major changes affecting employees.
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4) Given that this takeover has been presented as an opportunity for growth, the unions see no justification for job cuts.
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Please send all questions and comments to your respective representatives.
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Kathy Viner, Staff Representative
The Canadian Media Guild (kathy@cmg.ca)

Peter Szekely, Reuters Unit Chair
The Newspaper Guild of New York
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Bill O’Meara, President-elect
The Newspaper Guild of New York

Myra MacDonald, Mother of Chapel, Reuters National Union of Journalists
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Anthony Austin, Father of Chapel, Reuters National Union of Journalists
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Frank Prenesti, Father of Chapel, Thomson National Union of Journalists
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Alan Burn, Senior Representative
Unite in Reuters (Amicus-GPM)