New Brunswick radio workers’ strike ends

Work stoppage continues with employees locked out

The Canadian Media Guild called an end to the 22-month strike by seven unionized radio employees at MBS Radio in Saint John, New Brunswick.

While the union officially ended the strike on Monday, May 12, the work stoppage continues as MBS informed the Guild that employees will be locked out.

MBS said the previously striking workers — known as the Saint John Seven — will not be permitted to return to work without a collective agreement.

The union filed a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), alleging the employer is bargaining in bad faith in an attempt to break the union. A hearing is scheduled for June 3 and the Guild is requesting the CIRB order MBS to bargain as required by law, moving to binding arbitration if necessary.

A meeting between the union and employer — facilitated by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service — will take place on May 16 in an attempt to bring about a settlement.

“Our goal remains what is has been since the start: a fair and reasonable agreement,” said Gary Stackhouse, president of the Private Radio branch of the Guild and a member of the Saint John Seven. “That is what we will be seeking on May 16.”

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