Labour Day rally in Iqaluit

I’m writing on behalf of the unionized CBC employees in Nunavut and Nunavik who have been locked out by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for three weeks now, along with their 5,500 colleages across the country.

As many of you are aware, the two sides in this labour dispute are divided on the issue of contracting out. CBC senior management would like the option of hiring many future employees on a temporary or contract basis.

We the workers believe the reason that the CBC is a world-class public broadcaster is because people have full time jobs, health benefits and pension plans. Job security allows people to give their best at work, without worrying about being out of a job next week. And job security enables people to build careers and livelihoods while raising families and contributing to their communities.

We will properly and formally find a way to thank the countless people who have offered support to us. However I wanted to let you all know that those of us on that dusty picket line appreciate your help, your honks, the tasty treats and the kind words.

Your support keeps us going on days when it feels there’s little to smile about.

As well, I wanted to invite the public to a rally to be held on Monday, Sept. 5.

It’s Labour Day and we felt it would be appropriate to mark the day with friends and family. Join us in front of Nakasuk School, where we’ll have hotdogs and door prizes.

Speakers will include Shona Barkley, the Vice President of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour, Jimmy Jacquard, the President of the Federation of Nunavut Teachers, and Maureen Doherty, the chair of the Public Service Alliance of Canada’s Iqaluit Regional Women’s Committee.

The event runs from noon to 1:00 p.m. on Labour Day. Hope you can join us.

Thanks again for the support.

Fiona Christensen
President
Iqaluit Local
Canadian Media Guild