Media Union of BC

Buyouts offered at PNG

gary — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:56:05 +0000

Today letters went out to employees at the Victoria Times Colonist, Vancouver Sun and The Province announcing buyouts.

Over the past week Postmedia has been cutting jobs at its newspapers across Canada. Positions have been chopped at the Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal.

Below is the text of the letter from Kevin Bent to PNG employees. The company has not provided us with any other details.

“Pacific Newspaper Group announces that we will be accepting applications for the Voluntary Staff Reduction Plan (VSRP).

“As our Company emerges from CCAA protection in an economy that remains volatile, we must continue to find ways to serve our readers and advertisers in more cost-effective ways while we continue to transform our business.

“Eligible employees for consideration for the VSRP are regular full time or regular part time employees who are covered by Part “A” (Former Guild) of the Collective Agreement.

“The VSRP terms and conditions are outlined in the Collective Agreement. The basic provisions are 6 weeks pay per year of service to a maximum of $150,000.

“Applications will be accepted up until 5PM Friday September 17th. Application forms and a Frequently Asked Questions document are attached or can be obtained from the Human Resources Department.

“Offers to those employees making application will be at the sole discretion of the Pacific

Newspaper Group, subject to VSRP parameters regarding classification and seniority. PNG Human Resources are contacting the CEP Local 2000 to establish a plan oversight committee further to the plan provisions.

“Prior to any offers being extended, PNG will assess operational and staffing needs, financial considerations, the timing of departures and the number of applicants. Those being accepted for the VSRP at this time should expect to have their employment cease prior to October 31st, 2010.

“Any questions about this plan may be directed to your Department Manager or the Human Resources Department.”

Please check this website for further information.

Gary Engler

CEP condemns Postmedia job cuts

gary — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:30:52 +0000

Postmedia Network Inc. has cut jobs since taking over the newspaper chain from Canwest Global Communications, a move Canada’s largest media union is calling “appalling” and “irresponsible.” Postmedia is undergoing a restructuring process, company spokeswoman Phyllise Gelfand confirmed Thursday without providing the exact number of layoffs.

Convergence, again?

gary — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:57:15 +0000

Newspaper and TV newsroom mergers could become the next big thing as profit-pressed publishers and broadcasters seek to cut costs and strengthen their digital presence.

BBC staff vote 90% in favour of strike

gary — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:48:51 +0000

BBC staff in the unions Bectu, Unite and the National Union of Journalists have voted by more than 90% in favour of strike action over proposed changes to the corporations’s pension scheme.

Sun-Times Media launches ‘hyper-local’ auto website

gary — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:02:43 +0000

Sun-Times Media Wednesday announced the launch of ToDrive.com, which it is billing as the Chicago area’s first hyperlocal automotive site. “There is nothing like ToDrive.com in the Chicago marketplace that is specific to Chicago dealers and Chicago auto buyers,” Sun-Times Media President and COO Rick Surkamer said in a statement.

CEP National donates $25,000 to Pakistan relief

gary — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:55:38 +0000

Our national union, the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) has donated $25,000, through its Humanity Fund, to Oxfam emergency flood relief efforts in Pakistan and is raising additional funds from members and locals across the country.

CEP national is urging members and locals to give generously to the growing need for assistance for the 20 million citizens impacted by the flood. “The need continues to be great in Pakistan and CEP members and their families have a proud tradition of helping those in need,” said CEP President Dave Coles.

Combined, the Canadian labour movement has already pledged more than $160,000 for the relief effort in Pakistan.

The CEP Humanity Fund is a member-supported fund that helps people facing disasters and poverty, promotes decent work and supports equitable development in Canada and around the world.

Rupert Murdoch’s pay drops to $16.8 million

gary — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:04:05 +0000

While Rupert Murdoch’s British newspapers laid off journalists and fought their way through a global advertising recession, the Australian-born media mogul endured a modest degree of personal belt-tightening – his take-home pay dropped by 6% to $16.8m, or £10.9m.

Salt Lake City daily cuts 43% of staff

gary — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:05:11 +0000

The Mormon Church-owned daily is reducing its workforce by 43%, shedding 57 full-time and 28 part-time employees. “Part of this industry leadership requires the Deseret News to adapt its cost structure to the new realities of the print publication and refocus efforts on the quality of its product,” the newspaper’s announcement said.

Postmedia unveils logo

gary — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:00:53 +0000

Postmedia Network Inc. unveiled its new brand logo today ahead of the new publishing company’s advertising campaign targeting national advertisers. The logo, developed by agency Rethink Toronto, is the company’s name with a forward slash at the end and gradual left-to-right colour shift from darker to lighter.

Philly newspapers deal on hold

gary — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:05:53 +0000

The bankruptcy sale of Philadelphia’s two major newspapers has been delayed two weeks as creditors poised to take over try to hammer out labor contracts with several Teamsters units.

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