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 Postmedia already owns the vast majority of English-language daily newspapers in Canada.

Postmedia says the conditions of the purchase are expected to be satisfied by Aug. 5, with a sale closing date of Aug. 26 at the latest.

CWA Canada represents workers at nine Postmedia newspapers across the country, and at four Saltwire properties: Halifax Chronicle Herald, Cape Breton Post, Charlottetown Guardian, and Summerside Pioneer Journal.

The national union represents about 6,000 media workers across Canada, including at the CBC, The Canadian Press, and newspapers and other media companies coast to coast.