Typographical Error
March 29, 2017 5:53 AM Subscribe
On one side, Canada's largest independent newspaper, tracing its roots back to Joseph Howe. On the other, one of Canada's oldest unions, one that had never been involved in a labour dispute. Most expected it would be prolonged, but few expected it to be quite this long.
It has been a very contentious battle. When it became clear it was not going to end quickly, several journalists set up Local Xpress, a free online news outlet. The first anniversary recently passed, and many observers weighed in with their opinions and reflections.
This week the 2016 Atlantic Journalism Awards announced their finalists, with Local Xpress getting six nominations (including all four photojournalism feature spots) and the Chronicle Herald earning three (including two for editorial cartooning).
It has been a very contentious battle. When it became clear it was not going to end quickly, several journalists set up Local Xpress, a free online news outlet. The first anniversary recently passed, and many observers weighed in with their opinions and reflections.
This week the 2016 Atlantic Journalism Awards announced their finalists, with Local Xpress getting six nominations (including all four photojournalism feature spots) and the Chronicle Herald earning three (including two for editorial cartooning).
Can't believe it's been this long. Almost half the people on strike are certain to get laid off once it's over - remarkable perseverance.
As for the labour dispute -one the one hand - there are people who want their union to actually be a union (which an independent expert & law scholar Jula Hughes confirms is the managements contract would essentially end) and one the other you have a bunch of tone arguments - like the "many" which can't believe someone on twitter was badly informed and less than polite. Or the "a very" and "contentious" links which are both freelances just staying out of the fray - floating above such earthly concerns as a strike yet feel compelled to pen a defense of of how honourable they are for keeping their contract with the devil.
posted by zenon at 7:56 AM on March 29, 2017 [4 favorites]
As for the labour dispute -one the one hand - there are people who want their union to actually be a union (which an independent expert & law scholar Jula Hughes confirms is the managements contract would essentially end) and one the other you have a bunch of tone arguments - like the "many" which can't believe someone on twitter was badly informed and less than polite. Or the "a very" and "contentious" links which are both freelances just staying out of the fray - floating above such earthly concerns as a strike yet feel compelled to pen a defense of of how honourable they are for keeping their contract with the devil.
posted by zenon at 7:56 AM on March 29, 2017 [4 favorites]
JOB INSECURITY: The company says that it requires flexibility to remain sustainable in a rapidly changing industry. The company equates flexibility with the ability to hire, fire and promote with no regard for experience or ability.
If this is true, and management is looking to get rid of 'Last In First Out' or other seniority mechanisms, then yes, this is classic union busting. If you are going to fight a union on that fundamental a level, then it's an existential fight for the union, and of course they are going to the very end. Why wouldn't they? They are no worse off fighting this to the death.
There are other classic signs, too, like sowing discord by pointing out how much better they have it than other workers doing X, such as coalminers. It's as if the only solution possible is to lower everyone to a base level, rather than raise everyone up...
Good luck, ink-stained wretches.
posted by Capt. Renault at 8:13 AM on March 29, 2017 [5 favorites]
If this is true, and management is looking to get rid of 'Last In First Out' or other seniority mechanisms, then yes, this is classic union busting. If you are going to fight a union on that fundamental a level, then it's an existential fight for the union, and of course they are going to the very end. Why wouldn't they? They are no worse off fighting this to the death.
There are other classic signs, too, like sowing discord by pointing out how much better they have it than other workers doing X, such as coalminers. It's as if the only solution possible is to lower everyone to a base level, rather than raise everyone up...
Good luck, ink-stained wretches.
posted by Capt. Renault at 8:13 AM on March 29, 2017 [5 favorites]
The "battle" link is the one I found most telling of the strikes cost for readers. Its highlighting of all the mistakes and bad practice at the Herald that's made its way to print absent the professional staff makes me better appreciate professional journalistic practice and, not incidentally, reminds me of what is lost when we settle for cheap and easy substitutes.
posted by gusottertrout at 8:26 AM on March 29, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by gusottertrout at 8:26 AM on March 29, 2017 [2 favorites]
Chronicle Herald to purchase Transcontinental publications, websites in Atlantic Canada
Media company cries poor when dealing with its unionized reporters, buys rival media chain. Just when I thought the Herald couldn't get worse.
posted by GhostintheMachine at 8:19 AM on April 13, 2017
Media company cries poor when dealing with its unionized reporters, buys rival media chain. Just when I thought the Herald couldn't get worse.
posted by GhostintheMachine at 8:19 AM on April 13, 2017
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