Yesterday’s news about job losses did not come as a total surprise, but the magnitude was shocking for those of us who love and defend our work at the public broadcaster.  The CBC/SRC has decided to make a $125 million budgetary shortfall mainly by cutting jobs.  Senior management initially told the union that it would not address a budgetary shortfall on the backs of the people who make our programming every day – and yet we were told that will now happen.  We will  use our collective rights to try to retain as many possible CMG staff facing redundancy.

The CBC Branch Executive Committee will hold 2 virtual meetings for members this Wednesday, December 6 at 18:30EST and 21:00EST, to share information about workforce adjustment provisions in our collective agreement, and what to expect in the coming months.

This mix of redundancies and unfilled vacancies will inevitably lead to workload issues for those left. Ensure that you do not work more than is possible within your paid hours, and say no to unpaid overtime.

We will not let this deter us from asking for a fair deal at the bargaining table.  Please watch for further updates as negotiations continue. Find local representatives here should you require union assistance.

In Solidarity,
CBC Branch Executive Committee