HALIFAX – The union representing employees at Global Maritimes (CIHF) today called on the company to expand its local programming, especially news and public affairs.
"Global’s decision to lay off 14 workers yesterday because of a shift of work to Toronto is upsetting news for everyone," said Peter Murdoch, media vice-president of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, in a statement.
"We think the network can and should mitigate those job losses by using the savings from this technological change to re-invest in programming in the Atlantic," he added.
The laid off workers received notice that the work they perform will be shifted to Toronto in May, says the union. The union is in negotiations with the employer over severance pay and other issues surrounding the lay offs.
"If Global is serious about growing its market share in Atlantic Canada, this is exactly the wrong way to go about gaining viewers," Murdoch added. "The best way the company can send a strong message about its commitment here is to expand its programming."
Global Television officials are in meetings today as the company prepares to release its quarterly financial figures later, but said someone will comment to cartt.ca tomorrow.
