Media Advisory - Rally to mark one-year anniversary of David-Goliath strike in Saint John, tomorrow

SAINT JOHN, NB, June 24, 2013 /CNW/ - Seven striking radio employees in Saint John - known as the Saint John Seven - will hold a rally tomorrow, Tuesday, June 25 to mark the one-year anniversary of the strike against their employer, MBS Radio (Maritime Broadcasting System).

Several special guests will offer their support and encouragement to the strikers, including New Brunswick Federation of Labour President Patrick Colford, Provincial NDP Leader Dominick Cardy, Carmel Smyth, National President of the Canadian Media Guild, and Martin O'Hanlon, Director of CWA-SCA Canada.

Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Place: In front of MBS Radio (201 Union St.). Noon BBQ at King's Square (*Rain Location: Strike HQ)

Quote:

"We know that the fight to secure a first collective agreement is not just about improving your own working conditions. Those who come after you will also benefit from the gains that you achieve. By standing up for your rights, you are helping to advance equality and social justice and to prevent the deterioration of working conditions for all Canadians. (…) We are urging the Maritime Broadcasting System to resume negotiations with its employees."

Thomas Mulcair
Leader of Canada's Official Opposition
In a letter of support to the Saint John 7

Background:

On June 25, 2012, seven media workers began a strike against Halifax-based MBS (Maritime Broadcasting System) Radio, when the company refused to budge significantly on salaries that are about HALF the average in other similar-sized markets, based on the latest CRTC numbers.

The seven on-air and support staff work at three MBS Radio stations in Saint John, NB (K-100, 93 CFBC and 98.9 Big John FM). They joined the Canadian Media Guild (CMG) in the spring of 2011 and began to seek their first collective agreement to improve wages, treatment at their workplace, and the quality of local radio.

About CMG
We are 6,000 journalists, hosts, producers, technicians, videographers, editors, librarians, programmers, sales reps, administrative staff and freelancers. We believe a quality media system that serves all Canadians is built on healthy organizations that treat workers fairly. www.cmg.ca.

SOURCE: Canadian Media Guild

Gary Stackhouse - President, CMG at MBS Saint John: [phone]