Today, some of us were informed that we will be leaving our positions with VICE Canada on account of a layoff. A total of 23 contract and permanent positions are being eliminated from within our bargaining unit.

Whether you are one of the people directly affected by layoff or not, it is hard to witness co-workers and friends lose work – and it is hard to experience an involuntary layoff first-hand.

Whether we’re staying or going, it makes sense that the impact of days like today is experienced on a personal level and at a community level. When we work together, we develop an appreciation of each other’s dedication and talents.

Canadian Media Guild (CMG) members will continue to support one another, pull together, and make sure that employees’ rights are respected during this difficult time.

Members working in Toronto can speak with CMG Staff representative Terri Monture (terri@cmg.ca) and those working in Montreal can talk to CMG staff representatives Karen Wirsig (karen@cmg.ca) and Federico Carvajal (federico@cmg.ca).

The collective agreement that we negotiated with VICE Canada allows for voluntary layoffs, and it provides for severance pay, bumping and recall rights. Please see this Question and Answer sheet for more detail.

When we pull together with our co-workers we can to support each other through difficult times like these.

Sincerely,

Maggie McCaw
President, VICE Canada Branch of the Canadian Media Guild

Kamala Rao
National President, Canadian Media Guild