CMG representatives are in Halifax today for a meeting with MBS Radio facilitated by a mediator, as part of a Labour Board review process initiated by CMG. The last time the two sides met was December 2012.
The union has asked the federal Labour Board to review whether MBS Radio and owner Robert Pace are bargaining in good faith.
“This is one of the numerous ways we’ve tried to get a fair collective agreement and get back to work. In close to 20 months on the picket line, we’ve not met with MBS owner Robert Pace,” says Gary Stackhouse the president of CMG at MBS Radio in Saint John. “Mr. Pace is wealthy man (inforgraphic) with strong Liberal ties (video) and it’s disconcerting that he doesn’t seem to subscribe to the idea of a living wage and decent working conditions for his employees, and quality local programming for the community.”
The seven radio workers – known as The Saint John 7 – are on strike since June 2012, and are looking for their first agreement with the employer, MBS Radio.
The two sides are scheduled to appear before the Labour Board in June this year.
We will keep you updated on any developments.
Gary Stackhouse
CMG President at MBS Radio in Saint John