As you head into summer holidays with friends and family, please spread the word about the benefits of being in the union. At the recent CMG convention, we heard from several speakers about the damage being done by attacks on unions in the US and Canada suggesting that unionized workers are the source of the economic crisis. Nothing could be further from the truth and I urge you to speak up about the positive work that union members do together to improve things for all of us who work for a living. The right to paid time off, health insurance, decent wages and benefits are all things that wouldn’t exist without unions.
On that note, I also ask that you spare a thought, a kind word of support and even an offer of help to our newest members on strike at MBS Radio in Saint John. They are into Week 2 of the strike. You can follow all the latest strike news and send your support on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/fairdealformbspeople. You can also watch for updates on the CMG website.
I’d like to thank everyone who attended our recent convention in Toronto. Among the resolutions that were approved are to streamline Guild elections so that local and national votes are all held at the same time every three years. That means the first combined local and national CMG elections will take place at the end of 2013.
Delegates also voted to support the movement against Bill 78 in Quebec. The law, passed this spring, restricts spontaneous protest. The Guild joins many unions and civil society organizations in voicing opposition to the law that limits freedom of expression. You can find out more about our resolution here: http://www.cmg.ca/en/2012/06/10/cmg-delegates-vote-to-support-quebec-movement-for-freedom-to-protest/ .
We debated a number of ways to change the structure of decision-making at the Guild to make it more economical. In the end, none of the major changes were approved. We will continue to work on this and plan to come back with improved suggestions at the next convention. We know how important it is to spend our dues responsibly and be accountable to members.
Finally, take a moment to appreciate your colleagues – especially those affected by the cuts that unfortunately keep hammering the media industry. Get some good rest and relaxation over the summer so that we can come back as strong as ever to defend our jobs and our industry.
As always, we are a phone call, email or tweet away! Please be in touch.
Carmel Smyth
National President
carmel@cmg.ca