The Canadian Media Guild is proud to support the approximately 2,200 of freelancers who work for CBC/Radio-Canada and across the union each year. The CMG sees freelancers as essential members whose flexibility and creativity are vital to the workplaces where we represent workers. From covering the Olympics and Paralympics, to filing first-person stories, to working behind the scenes as a videographer or graphic designer, freelancers perform a variety of crucial roles at our public broadcaster.  
 
To mark this milestone, the CBC/Radio-Canada Branch of the CMG recently created the position of Special Director for CBC/Radio-Canada Freelancers. You are welcome to email them with any questions or concerns. 

 
This page is dedicated to resources and information you can use to get better support as a CBC/Radio-Canada freelance member.  

Frequently Asked Questions: 
Am I automatically a member of the union as a freelancer for CBC/Radio-Canada? 
If you are hired for paid work on a freelance contract by CBC/Radio-Canada at least once every 12 months, you are considered a Canadian Media Guild member, with a few small exceptions. Our membership includes freelancers working for CBC/Radio-Canada in Canada, except for those in Quebec and the Moncton Broadcasting Centre. 

However, Canadian labour law dictates that to enjoy member benefits, such as voting rights and the support programs listed below, eligible workers must sign their union card. You can do so at this link. Your union dues, whether or not you sign your card, are automatically deducted by CBC/Radio-Canada. The CMG is continually expanding its support for freelancers, and having more members sign their cards helps us advance that mission. 

 
How Do I Sign My Union Card? 
You can sign via our portal, available at this link or under the ‘Get Involved’ heading on CMG.ca.  

How are CBC/Radio-Canada Freelance Workers Incorporated into the current collective agreement?  
The CMG believes that freelancers should be compensated at a minimum rate equal to what staff counterparts would receive for the same work. Of course, you are encouraged to negotiate a higher rate if you can, and your ability to do so helps all of your fellow workers. A rising tide lifts all boats, and freelance workers are colleagues, not competition. A healthy freelance ecosystem fosters greater solidarity among workers, not less. 

The CMG also bargains for specific contract language that protects freelancers’ intellectual property rights in certain contracts, establishes fair rates for CBC/Radio-Canada freelancers, and sets out a process for formal disputes. To read more about freelancers’ rights within the collective agreement, click this link; the main clause pertaining to freelancers is Article 30. The CMG is continually looking for ways to better support freelance workers, and we encourage freelance members to contact the Special Director for CBC/Radio-Canada Freelancers. 

What Benefits and Supports Do I Get as a Member? 
The main power you have as a union member is the ability to vote for positions within the union, including the Executive Council and the Special Director for CBC/Radio-Canada Freelancers. Becoming a member and signing your card electronically indicates to CMG that you are interested in protecting workers’ rights and that you are willing to be part of the democratic process that ensures equitable representation. Because freelancers, by the nature of their work, can be isolated from traditional newsroom settings, signing your union card also opens up additional avenues your union can use—such as email communication—to connect and collaborate. 
 
Because the CMG represents you, you can access support from our staff, including advice on working conditions, help with worker issues, and opportunities to connect with other members. The CBC/Radio-Canada Branch is currently in discussions with our union siblings to open up additional resources for CBC/Radio-Canada freelancers. 

As a member of CMG, you are considered part of the arts community, which makes you eligible for the Writers’ Coalition Insurance Program offered by AFBS. The CMG is committed to informing its members about opportunities available to them as freelancers in the industry. In addition, freelance members are eligible for discounts provided by UnionSavings.ca.  
 
Once you sign your card, you gain easier access to professional development opportunities and newsletters that highlight the work of CBC/Radio-Canada freelancers, as well as an avenue to secure more work. A more informed worker is a better worker! At CMG, we believe that staff–freelancer solidarity is key to our mission and goals as a union. That solidarity is hard to achieve without freelance members in the fold. 
 
I’m Confused by My Contract, Can You Help 

Yes! Even the most seasoned industry veterans can find CBC/Radio-Canada contracts complicated. Our collective agreement allows for several types of contracts, each with specific differences. A common sticking point is the distinction between a freelance contributor contract and a freelance specific services contract. You can find more information about these differences here.  
 
As a member, you can speak directly with union staff and elected officials who will support you in navigating differences and advocating for better working conditions. 

How Can I Get Further Involved?  
Contact our Special Director. There are multiple ways you can get involved, including joining committees, being connected to the newsroom closest to you, and being part of the joint committee that helps to manage freelancer issues with CBC/Radio-Canada in the times between bargaining.  

 
What’s the Difference Between a Freelancer and a Temporary Worker?  
There are multiple differences. The key ones are:  

• Freelancers are independent contractors and do not have access to workplace benefits such as health and dental and are responsible for their own deductions, including contributions toward the Canadian pension plan. Temporary workers are non-permanent employees and some have access to benefits. They also tend to be backfilling roles while freelancers are used to augment existing programming.  

• There is a designated potential pathway for temporary workers to become permanent employees, which is outlined in Article 27 of the collective agreement.  There is currently no such pathway for freelancers. 

• Freelancers are free to work with other outlets while temporary workers may be restricted in where else they can work.