HALIFAX – The union representing employees at Global Maritimes (CIHF) this week called on the company to expand its local programming, in light of job cuts announced this week.
"Global’s decision to lay off 14 workers (Wednesday) 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.
In an interview with www.cartt.ca today, Global Maritimes general manager Barry Saunders said 14 positions have been eliminated, but it affects only 11 people, all in operations (master control, video tape and traffic). The company will try to find other places for those employees, said Saunders.
The cuts are part of a company-wide move by Global Television to consolidate master control functions in Toronto and Vancouver. As reported by www.cartt.ca, Global TV Quebec undertook similar downsizing in 2005.
The cuts will leave Global Maritimes with 94 employees, 70 in Nova Scotia and 24 in New Brunswick.
"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," added Murdoch.
The station already produces 15 hours a week of local programming – its news and public affairs shows, says Saunders. Those hours won’t increase and aren’t being cut either.
"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."
