Ottawa radio station CFRA workers file to unionize with CWA Canada

Lois Kirkup (front, right), president of the Ottawa Newspaper Guild, is welcoming workers at CFRA radio station into the Local.

Beleaguered staff at an Ottawa radio station owned by Bell Media have signed union cards with CWA Canada, which filed for certification today with the federal labour board.

About two dozen employees who work as news writers, hosts, producers and technicians at News Talk 580 CFRA say the company’s cost-cutting mandate has caused a swift decline in staffing and created an ever-growing workload.

CFRA broadcasts to the national capital region, Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. Its website features local and national news, radio show podcasts, contests and information about local events.

The organizing committee says in a mission statement that low pay overall, a lack of salary increases to keep pace with the cost of living, “coupled with discouraging wage caps (has created) an exhausting struggle to meet the standards that CFRA’s dedicated listenership has come to expect. During this era of indifference (staff) have propped up the station’s reputation, keeping ratings at a high level.

“We have advocated for meaningful change with management countless times to no avail. It has become clear that the only path forward is through collective bargaining.”

A strong majority of the non-management workers have signed union cards, which were filed electronically with the Canada Industrial Relations Board. The CIRB normally grants certification without requiring workers to vote on the matter.

“The situation has never been worse for part-time employees,” says the committee. “They are being left behind due to inconsistent scheduling and unassigned shifts.”

CWA Canada President Martin O’Hanlon welcomed the new members, saying they need a union because they are underpaid and overworked.

“These are some of the hardest working journalists in the country and they deserve much better pay and working conditions. We look forward to bargaining a collective agreement that respects the incredible work they do.”

Once formally unionized, the workers will form a unit within the Ottawa Newspaper Guild (CWA Canada Local 30205), which already represents employees at CTV Ottawa, an affiliate of CFRA.

“I commend the courage they showed to stand up for their rights and the conviction to make their working environment better and equitable. ONG looks forward to working with our newest members,” said Lois Kirkup, president of the Local.

She noted that neither CFRA nor CTV Ottawa are to be affected by cuts announced Wednesday by Bell Media.

MISSION STATEMENT

Threats & harassment of journalists

Dear CWA Canada members,

Journalism is a pillar of democracy. If journalists feel threatened doing their jobs, important stories may go untold, and democracy is undermined.

In recent days, many Canadian journalists, including CWA Canada members, have been receiving vile sexist and racist comments and threats, often through social media. Women and people of colour, in particular, have been targeted.

This harassment and hate must not be tolerated. We are working with journalism groups, the labour movement, academics, and employers, on a strategy to stop the campaign of hate.

Please see the attached note on your legal options in the event that you receive any threats or harassment. It is your employer’s duty to help and support you. If you do not feel you are being properly protected our getting adequate support, including counselling or other services or resources, contact your Local president and the union will advocate on your behalf.

In solidarity,

Martin O’Hanlon
President, CWA Canada
The Media Union