The “Protocol around outside appearances and work” that CMG members received from management last week conflicts with rights you have under the collective agreement. The protocol relates to outside activities and the new journalistic policy.

The note from management suggests employees must get permission to engage in outside activities. This is not the case. There is no blanket requirement for permission. There are circumstances where permission is required but they are limited to situations where the employee desires to exploit her/his connection to the CBC. The note also suggests employees are required to fill out a form. Again this is not the case.

The language of the collective agreement reads, in part, as follows: “Employees shall be free to engage in activities such as voluntary and/or paid work outside their hours of work…” Before engaging in outside activities, you must ensure that “such activities are not in competition with the media services of the Corporation, that without permission, no employee may exploit his/her connection with the Corporation in the course of such activities; or that such activity does not adversely affect his/her work for the Corporation.”

In addition, on-air personnel must discuss any outside activities with their supervisor before engaging in such activities. Note that this is a discussion process, not an approval process.

We do suggest that you speak to a management supervisor if you’re concerned about the impact or the appropriateness of an outside activity in order to avoid potential future problems.

For more information, get in touch with the Guild (info@cmg.ca) at 416-591-5333 or 1-800-465-4149.