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Unifor has written to the chief executive of Maritime Broadcasting urging him to return to the table and work out a first contract with seven workers at his company’s radio station in Saint John, New Brunswick.
The group – dubbed the Saint John 7 – have been on strike for nearly 16 months.
“This is an extraordinarily long time for a first contract dispute to be going on. These seven workers are now facing the prospect of a second Christmas on the streets. As a union representing other MBS workers across the Atlantic, we find the situation intolerable,” the letter to CEO Robert Pace reads.
The letter was signed by Unifor Atlantic Director Lana Payne, media sector chair Randy Kitt and media sector director Howard Law.
As well, Unifor is donating $5,000 to help the strikers. Payne said Unifor locals in the region have made their own donations since the strike began.
The workers at Kool 98, K-100 and CFBC in Saint John, part of Halifax-based MBS Radio, have been on strike since June 2012. Top issues are a living wage, respect in the workplace and quality local radio.
“These workers deserve a fair deal and a living wage. All media workers across this country will support these 7 until a fair deal is achieved,” Unifor Media Sector Chair Randy Kitt said.
The strikers are members of the Canadian Media Guild. Workers at other MBS stations are members of Unifor. To listen to an online radio station set up by the strikers, or to make a donation, go to www.radiofreesaintjohn.fm.
