During another day and a half of negotiations with Shaw Media this week, we resolved a number of outstanding items and moved closer together on the key issue of salary structure. However, it has become clear to both teams that we could use the help of a federal conciliator to reach an agreement.

The issues that remain sticking points are:

• Salary structure: while we are closer to scales that reflect the true value of the work people do, the Guild bargaining committee remains concerned about ongoing salary gaps between members who perform similar work, as well as the way management has used its discretion on “merit” increases. As we’ve been saying from the beginning, we are looking for a salary structure in the collective agreement that puts fairness ahead of favouritism.
• Across-the-board wage increases: the management proposals remain below inflation, despite the fact that the company continues to report healthy revenues.
• Job security: the management team has been unwilling to discuss our proposals to improve the layoff process.

We expect the federal Minister of Labour to appoint a conciliation officer within the next couple of weeks. The officer will have a 60-day mandate to meet with both sides and help us reach a deal.

We plan to set up a membership meeting after the first meeting with the conciliator. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please speak to any one of us.

Thanks for your ongoing support!

Your bargaining committee:

Karen Graham
Craig Jasman
Sherisse White
Karen Wirsig, CMG rep
Terri Monture, CMG rep