Globe and Mail workers vote to back strike mandate
Strike could begin at midnight June 30
Last Updated: Saturday, June 20, 2009 | 5:31 PM ET
CBC News
Globe and Mail news and sales employees on Saturday voted 97 per cent in favour of authorizing their bargaining committee to call a strike unless the company comes up with a better deal to replace their expiring contract.
The 500 editorial, advertising and circulation workers' current four-year contract expires on June 30, and a strike or lockout at the Toronto-based daily newspaper could take place on midnight of that day.
Brad Honywill, president of Local 87-M of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union, which represents the employees, told The Canadian Press that the vote shows a historic level of support.
He added that Saturday's vote has sent a strong message to the company — an almost unanimous rejection of its offer.
Management at the newspaper, owned by CTVglobemedia Inc., has proposed a six-year-contract, with a total compounded salary increase of 7.2 per cent over the six years.
It has also proposed one unpaid week off each year for all employees, a longer work day of 7.5 hours with no extra pay for the extra half-hour, overtime paid at straight time for the first half-hour, and changes to company pensions.
With files from The Canadian Press
