Unionized staff at the Ottawa Citizen and Ottawa Sun have voted in favour of the latest contract offer from Postmedia Inc., averting a potential lockout.
The Ottawa Newspaper Guild says 32 members voted for the offer while 24 voted against, despite a recommendation from its bargaining committee to reject the offer.
The Guild said in a Facebook post that members were clearly divided over whether to accept the offer or continue to fight for a better deal against an “increasingly threatening employer.”
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Iconic spaces, lasting impressions
The Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum offer more than beautiful spaces; they provide meaningful settings celebrating heritage, culture and design. An architectural landmark overlooking Parliament Hill
Iconic spaces, lasting impressions
The Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum offer more than beautiful spaces; they provide meaningful settings celebrating heritage, culture and design. An architectural landmark overlooking Parliament Hill
Postmedia had said it would lock out union employees if they voted against the deal, and would consider permanent job cuts in the event of a labour disruption.
Staff at the two newspapers have been without a contract for 34 months as negotiations on cuts to benefits and other issues dragged on.
Lois Kirkup, vice-president of the Ottawa Newspaper Guild, had said the company was “gutting” benefits, while Postmedia said it had made its best offer given the economic challenges of the industry.
