Globe and Mail workers ratify new three-year deal, averting strike

From Unifor. Sept. 16, 2021

TORONTO – Hours away from a midnight strike deadline, workers at The Globe and Mail nearly unanimously voted to ratify a new three-year deal Thursday night.

“Congratulations to the tenacious bargaining team for reaching this deal,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Unifor members at the Globe and Mail are hard-working COVID heroes who serve as a vital information lifeline to the public, providing quality journalism during the pandemic.”

The negotiations addressed key issues such as wages, diversity, equity and inclusion, mental health benefits and other working conditions.

The gains include a two per cent increase to all wage scales and all salaries up to $150,000, retroactive to July 1, 2021. Beginning July 1, 2022, members will also receive a one per cent increase on all wage scales and another one per cent increase on all wage scales effective July 1, 2023.

The employer also agreed to discuss pay gaps the union has identified and make best efforts to achieve fair and equal pay for women, people of colour and other equity-seeking groups within the bargaining unit.

The new deal also delivers improvements to mental health benefits, eliminates a previous claw back on maternity leave top-up and secures an allowance for home-office expenses.

Unifor Local 87-M represents more than 250 employees, including reporters, editors, circulation/operations and advertising sales staff.

“Globe members produce some of greatest journalism in the world, but journalistic excellence cannot be created on a shoestring,” said Paul Morse, President of Unifor Local 87-M. “In an era of wage freezes in media, we’re pleased we’ve been able to make wage gains, along with improvements in other areas.”

The term of the new agreement is effective upon ratification on September 16, 2021 until June 30, 2024.

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

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