The Canadian Media Guild is creating its team for the upcoming round of negotiations with The Canadian Press. The collective agreement expires in just a couple of months, on December 31, 2009, and preliminary formal talks are expected to begin in December.

We are interested in hearing from people willing to lend brain-power to make this team an effective one. We need critical thinkers who can problem solve while keeping in mind the interests of all Guild members. If you are ready for a challenge and think you would like to serve, let us know.

Negotiations are hard work and as a member of the bargaining committee you would be giving up some of your own time as well as work time ? but it is well worth it. You must also be a member in good standing to be considered.

Four people will be selected by the Branch Council based on the criteria set out below.

Experience has shown we need a variety of roles filled by members of the committee. While not a prerequisite, a CMG course in negotiations or conflict resolution is certainly an asset.

We are looking for members who are:
? team players
? prepared to participate fully in both the planning and bargaining sessions. This could be as much as 35 days or more, spread out over several months.
? able to communicate with the membership and management
? able to develop strategy
? able to research, draft language and detect potential linguistic falls

As well as these criteria, candidates will be considered with a view to ensuring balance in terms of language, gender and geography.

Interested members should submit a brief resum? and statement of why s/he is interested by November 1, 2009 to Kathy Viner, CMG Staff Representative. You can email to kathy@cmg.ca or fax to 416-591-7278.