Unifor mourns the loss of jobs at The Telegram and its Austin St. printing press
ST. JOHN’S, NL, Aug. 23, 2024 /CNW/ – Unifor is extraordinarily disheartened after affirmation that at present is the final day of labor for a lot of members of Native 441-G at The Telegram and its Austin St. printing press, after receiving their official layoff notices.
“It is a darkish day for journalism, and for the devoted employees who’ve given their blood, sweat and tears – some for many years – at this historic printing press that has operated for almost 150 years,” stated Unifor Nationwide President Lana Payne.
“This personally appears like a punch within the intestine, as The Telegram was my first house in journalism. We are going to proceed to help our members any means we will, together with those that will likely be transferred to Postmedia, throughout this unsure time. We have to cease the bleeding on this business, and we want governments to step as much as assist.”
There are 37 Unifor Native 441-G members working as reporters, videographers, printing press operators, and in promoting at The Telegram – with nearly all of members working in printing press operations.
The union advocated for members’ jobs and for native journalism as Postmedia and SaltWire labored by means of the CCAA course of within the courts. Through the courtroom hearings, authorized counsel for Unifor expressed considerations over the destiny of the Austin St. printing press, which was not included in Postmedia’s Asset Buy Settlement, stating the omission of this facility within the deal creates uncertainty about the way forward for that operation and consequently the way forward for print media in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In an August 14 letter to Premier Andrew Furey, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray requested a gathering to debate choices for retaining the press operational. The closure of this facility would go away Newfoundland and Labrador as the one province with out the power to print newspapers.
The Premier’s workplace responded on August 22 to Unifor’s request for a gathering, and the 2 events are working to search out the primary accessible time to satisfy.
“Native information is significant in each neighborhood, however significantly in most of the extra rural communities of Newfoundland and Labrador,” stated Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray.
“It’s actually heartbreaking to witness the closure of the province’s solely vast format press that additionally companies different neighborhood publications and pamphlets for labour, neighborhood and authorities shoppers. It will have a dangerous ripple impact on the province, impacting how Newfoundlanders and Labradorians perceive and work together with their communities.”
Unifor continues to interact with the monitor and the employer to advocate for members and can present further info when it turns into accessible.
Unifor represents greater than 10,000 media employees, together with journalists within the broadcast and print information business.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union within the personal sector, representing 320,000 employees in each main space of the financial system. The union advocates for all working folks and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and overseas and strives to create progressive change for a greater future.
For media inquiries, please contact Unifor Nationwide Communications Consultant: Jenny Yuen at [email protected] or (416) 938-6157.
SOURCE Unifor
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