Michael MacDonald, The Canadian PressA newspaper box branded with The Chronicle Herald, SaltWire Network Inc.'s flagship newspaper, is photographed in Halifax on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese
But Fitzpatrick says those changes were minor alterations, which included changing the name of the employer from SaltWire to Postmedia. Successor rights, as spelled out in provincial legislation, ensure than when a company’s ownership changes, the collective bargaining rights of unionized employees remain protected.
The CWA negotiated with Postmedia after the Toronto-based company had reached a tentative deal to buy SaltWire for $1-million last month — an agreement that received court approval last Thursday. The transaction is expected to close by Aug. 24. “These annuities will provide the plan members with payments that are comparable to the pension benefits that the pension plan has been providing or would provide,” the union said.“Media workers and union members across the country share the deep disappointment of Nova Scotia’s media workers, and community,” the statement said. “Losing or downsizing any media organization is never a good thing. Especially in this environment where quality news is so needed and appreciated.