Reuters confirmed yesterday that client administration and technical support coordination will be shifted from Canada to St. Louis, Missouri, “beginning sometime this summer.” As many as 15 jobs could be lost.

The company told the Canadian Media Guild that their announcement was made to quell rumours and is not an official notice of the move. Under the collective agreement, Reuters must give three months notice of its intentions. Unfortunately, members are now expected to work under a cloud of insecurity.

The Guild is working to ensure that Reuters fulfills its commitments to our members under the contract. The company has indicated that it will attribute job cuts in Canada to technical change and, therefore, members whose jobs are lost and who leave the company will get enhanced severance packages (see Article 17).

The move is part of the company’s so-called Fast Forward programme designed to centralize functions in a few centres around the world. We believe the programme will have a detrimental effect on the quality of service that Reuters’ clients have enjoyed and come to expect.

We will keep you informed of all developments. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Guild officials or staff representative Kathy Viner (kathy@cmg.ca) with your concerns or questions at 416-591-5333 or 416-465-4149.