Halifax Strike
Latest News
CWA Canada demands documents from Ubisoft over Halifax studio closure - HALIFAX (Jan. 8, 2026) – As workers at Ubisoft Halifax deal with the devastating news that they are now unemployed, CWA Canada is pushing for answers as to why the company unexpectedly shuttered the location. Today, CWA Canada lawyers called Ubisoft demanding documents, emails and other information related to its claim that the decision was based solely on financial necessity. The union has vowed to “pursue every legal recourse” to protect its members after the company announced yesterday that it is shutting down the operation – just three weeks after the union was certified to represent about 60 workers. A Ubisoft spokesperson would only commit to providing such information next week. In Canada, it is unlawful for a business to close because its workers decide to unionize. The company must provide information about the reason for the sudden decision to close. The union was not notified in any way prior to the closure announcement. “Typically, in cases where employers are planning big layoffs, they share that info with the union in confidence before announcing it,” CWA Canada President Carmel Smyth said. “Ubisoft is highly unionized internationally; its managers are aware of that. Why they choose not to follow standard practice, we do not know. But it [...]
Postmedia announces Saltwire layoffs; union will enforce seniority and severance obligations - Postmedia has wasted no time in cutting jobs as it takes control of Saltwire Network Inc., continuing it’s long sorry tradition of slashing local media. The company announced layoffs yesterday and today, including at least three editors and one reporter at the already-decimated Halifax Chronicle Herald. CWA Canada and our Nova Scotia Locals (Halifax Typographical Union and Sydney Typographical Union) cannot stop layoffs, which are at the sole discretion of the employer. But we will ensure that our collective agreements are respected, including seniority and severance provisions. “I’d like to share our sympathy for colleagues who have received layoff notices,” CWA Canada President Carmel Smyth said in a note to members. “We know losing a job can be one of the most stressful and demoralizing life events.” “Our lawyers and union staff continue to make protecting our members a priority every day.” The union has impressed upon the company the importance of respecting the experience, judgment and ability that comes with years of service. Postmedia has agreed to follow this principle of seniority as outlined in our collective agreements. Over 60 staff have lost their jobs so far, while nearly 300 remain employed by Saltwire until it’s decided if they [...]
Postmedia-Saltwire deal: Media Union CWA Canada will protect members and local journalism - CWA Canada and the Halifax Typographical Union (CWA Canada Local 30130) are working to protect our members and local journalism as Postmedia moves to buy Saltwire’s newspapers. CWA Canada President Carmel Smyth spoke with Postmedia CEO Andrew MacLeod yesterday and expressed her concerns. “Postmedia has a track record of cutting newsrooms to the bone and jeopardizing local news coverage with short-sighted decisions,” Smyth said. “Our job will be to hold the company to account for its commitment to investing in local news and jobs.” MacLeod said the purchase of Saltwire, which is under creditor protection, “is subject to various conditions, including satisfactory outcomes with unions and other stakeholders …” It’s unclear what “outcomes” MacLeod is referring to, but outstanding pension debts by Saltwire is one issue. Smyth said the union will work with Postmedia on the remaining issues related to the purchase, but it’s important to note that there are legally binding collective agreements in place which will be protected. HTU President Willy Palov said he’s pleased a buyer has stepped forward: “The news is still fresh, and we don’t have all the details yet, so the members and I will have to review the proposed terms before we can say a whole lot more.” Concentration of ownership is also a major consideration given that [...]
CWA Canada will fight for members at Saltwire - CWA Canada President Carmel Smyth says the union will be monitoring the situation closely after Saltwire Network Inc. announced today that it is seeking creditor protection. “Our members and retirees can rest assured that we will do everything possible to protect their jobs, wages, and pensions,” she said. The media union represents staff at Saltwire publications the Halifax Herald and Cape Breton Post, through the Halifax Typographical Union (CWA Canada Local 30130) and the Sydney Typographical Union (CWA Canada Local 30460). The union is also awaiting certification to represent staff at the Charlottetown Guardian and the Summerside Journal Pioneer. It’s unclear what exactly will happen but it’s important to know the facts. Saltwire has not filed for bankruptcy. It is not in trusteeship. It has applied for protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA), which means a monitor will be appointed. It continues to operate and run its own affairs with some “protections” from its creditors. The company is still bound by its collective agreements except to the extent it has asked for relief or variance from a contractual obligation. In the normal course, future obligations, including wages and pension contributions, will be paid in full. In regard to [...]
Guardian & Journal Pioneer Workers File to Unionize in P.E.I. - Workers at The Guardian and Journal Pioneer newspapers in P.E.I. have filed for union certification The Halifax Typographical Union (CWA Canada Local 30130) filed today with the P.E.I. Labour Relations Board after an overwhelming majority of workers signed union cards. The Island News Guild unit of the HTU will include about 40 reporters, editors, videographers, art designers, district managers, and sales and member services staff in Charlottetown and Summerside. The newspapers are part of the Saltwire chain, based in Halifax. “A union will help us do our jobs better. It will help us retain and train media workers today and tomorrow,” the workers said in a Mission Statement. “To do this, we need yearly cost of living increases, fair wages, adequate staffing, and safe and respectful work environments.” CWA Canada President Carmel Smyth said unionizing will be good for workers, for the company, and for journalism: “With the challenges facing the newspaper industry, it is more important than ever that media workers have a say in their workplace. The best way to improve quality, morale, and diversity is to give workers a voice and the power to bargain a collective agreement.” CWA Canada is the country’s only all-media union, representing nearly [...]Offsite Insight
17.08.06 The Globe and Mail – After 18 months, Halifax Chronicle Herald and striking employees reach tentative deal
17.07.17 Halifax Examiner / Stephen Kimber – The Chronicle Herald strike meets the ‘final option’
17.07.13 CBC News – Province using rarely used power to help end Chronicle Herald strike
17.06.27 Halifax Examiner – The Chronicle Herald probably couldn’t survive without public money
17.06.16 The Nova Scotia Advocate – This is really hard on us — Rally marks 511 days on picket line for Chronicle Herald workers
17.06.05 CBC News – Chronicle Herald strike hits 500th day
17.04.17 J-Source – What the sale of 27 newspapers to the Chronicle Herald will mean for Atlantic Canada
17.04.13 CBC News – ‘An incredible loss’: Concerns about Herald purchase of Transcontinental papers
17.01.19 CanadaLand – A Year on Strike at The Chronicle Herald
17.01.23 The Nova Scotia Advocate – We are getting a little tired of this shit. Rallies across Nova Scotia on Herald strike anniversary
17.01.23 CBC News – Chronicle Herald journalists reflect after 12 months on the picket line
17.01.23 LighthouseNow – Union members mark one year on strike at the Chronicle Herald
17.01.23 Cape Breton Post – First year of Halifax-based newspaper strike marked with rally
17.01.06 Stephen Kimber – Portrait of a picketer
Other Resources
HTU Online
Visit the Halifax Typographical Union’s website and Facebook page for regular updates, boycott lists and scab reports.
HTU response to open letter to readers
Make a Donation
CWA Canada’s Locals are gathering donations and messages of support for their fellow members who are on strike against the Herald. The Thomson Reuters branch of the Canadian Media Guild set up a donation box in their Toronto office.
Donations can be sent to:
Halifax Typographical Union, P.O. Box 8064, 6175 Almon St., Halifax NS, B3K 5N2
CWA Canada • The Media Union 