Media

To Unifor Postmedia Members,

I write to you at what I know is a time of great fear and uncertainty for Unifor Postmedia members in every corner of the company, from coast to coast. Andrew MacLeod’s January 18th memo detailing a number of cost-cutting measures, followed by the company’s subsequent announcements about significant lay-offs countrywide, are only the latest in a long series of discouraging restructuring moves by the company.

TORONTO –Unifor is disappointed and frustrated that Postmedia has largely kept the union and media workers hanging with a slow bleed of information that has provided no real clarity to workers about what jobs are on the chopping block.

“Workers are still in the dark after the company announced restructuring plans over a week ago. To dangle dire news that is detrimental to media workers’ livelihoods, careers and families is disrespectful and hurtful to the workers who have given so much to the company,” said Unifor’s National President Lana Payne.

TORONTO –Unifor is looking at all options to protect media workers after Postmedia announced restructuring plans today, which includes laying off workers in the media sector.

"We will do everything in our power to protect our members working in the media sector,” said Unifor’s National President Lana Payne. “Journalists and media workers often put their lives on the line to provide fact-based reporting to the public and they deserve respect, not constantly worrying when the next axe in the newsroom will drop.”

Saba Eitizaz fled from Pakistan to Canada after “violence online trickled into my real life” for reporting on human rights issues.

The Toronto Star producer and podcaster came to this country for safety, but hasn’t been able to leave behind the harassment and vitriol.

“Now, the place of refuge is now looking like the place of escape,” Eitizaz said. “I really don’t know where to go next.”

Unifor is Canada’s largest private sector union, with more than 310,000 members. Our union represents more than 10,000 media workers, including journalists in the broadcast and print news industry.

Journalism is a public good and its role in holding power to account, strengthening democracy and building community has never been more important. Social media has proven to divide us, pitting neighbour against neighbour.  We are more polarized than ever, but a strong Canadian news media can build community.

Death threats. Toxic workplaces. Being followed home. Doxxing.

These are some on-the-job abuses journalists face routinely.

Unifor’s Media Council took place Oct. 28 to 30 at the Unifor Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ont. The focus was on harassment – online and in the field – and its impact on media workers and the supports the union are developing, such as the helpishere website.

OTTAWA –At a Senate hearing today, Unifor Media Director Randy Kitt testified that Bill C-11 – otherwise known as the Online Streaming Act – is missing one caveat: to save local news.

“This is a top of mind issue,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “While tech platforms continue to profit – whether it’s displaying news stories without paying their fair share for them or limiting Canadian content – it impacts our media workers, who tirelessly report fact-based, accurate stories to the public.”  

The Honourable Danielle Smith
Premier of Alberta

Dear Premier Smith,

Subject: Supporting Strong News and Print Industries in Alberta / Saskatchewan / Manitoba

I write to you today on a matter relating to the media and news print industries. Unifor is Canada’s largest private sector union representing 315,000 members across Canada, working in 20 economic sectors. In the media, our union represents more than 12,000 workers, including more than 6,000 members in the news and print industries.

It was Lana Payne’s career in journalism that sparked her love of unions.

When the Unifor National President was 21, she worked for her hometown paper, the St. John’s Evening Telegram in Newfoundland and Labrador, calling it a “baptism by fire,” enduring night shifts and eventually discovering her passion in covering labour issues. She found her beat.

TORONTO –Unifor is disheartened that news of a court application to dissolve NordStar Capital Inc., the controlling company of Torstar and the Toronto Star, came from a media outlet, rather than the employer.

"Today's unexpected news was completely disrespectful to the hard-working Toronto Star staff who felt blindsided by this information – or rather, lack-of,” said Unifor’s National President Lana Payne. “Journalists and media workers often put their lives on the line to provide fact-based reporting to the public and they deserve better.”