Union representing Chronicle Herald employees seeks government intervention

CTV Atlantic: Union asking for gov’t intervention in Herald dispute The union representing long-striking employees at The Chronicle Herald is asking for government intervention.

The union representing long-striking employees at The Chronicle Herald newspaper is asking for the government to step in.

The Halifax Typographical Union announced Monday it has filed an Unfair Labour Practice complaint with Nova Scotia's Labour Department.

The Chronicle Herald’s executive vice-president says he is still reviewing the complaint to the labour board, but describes it as a pressure tactic. He says the company is working hard to resolve the strike, but employees accuse the Herald of trying to break the union.

“The Herald has put proposals on the table that have basically been designed to be rejected, that no conscientious union or member of a bargaining team can accept these proposals,” said Claire McIlveen of the Halifax Typographical Union.

Nearly 10 months ago 61 writers, editors, photographers and other staff walked off the job protesting a contract offer that would have seen wage cuts and other concessions.

Today, the 55 members who remain with the union received support from the arts community.

“Not only is there no provincial record of many of the important arts events in Nova Scotia, but the quality of writing about our cultural arts scene is just not there in the current paper,” said Peggy Walt of the Canadian Music Centre.

Both sides met earlier this month through a mediator, but talks broke off. The union wants the Labour Board to order the Herald back to the table.

“We are hopeful the Labour Board will look at our compliant and we are expecting a positive response from them,” said McIlveen.

The company says dramatic changes in the print industry require revamping the current business model.

The paper continues to publish after hiring replacement workers, including freelance writers. The union continues to ask readers and advertisers to boycott the paper.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelland Sundahl.