Statement from NDP Leader Gary Burrill on the Chronicle Herald strike

Workers on strike for 511 days

HALIFAX – NDP Leader Gary Burrill made the following statement marking a rally organized today by the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour in support of the Halifax Typographical Union:

“For 511 days, the journalists, editors and photographers of the Chronicle Herald have been on strike, fighting for a fair collective agreement with the largest newspaper in the province. The Herald’s management has been pushing for extreme cuts to wages and benefits and the removal of clauses in the contract that promote pay equity for women.

Also for 511 days, the NDP Caucus has been proud to support the Halifax Typographical Union. Since the strike began we have boycotted the Herald. This boycott has included cancelling subscriptions, refusing to do interviews, not sending press releases, and not buying advertising.

It is very disappointing that for 511 days Stephen McNeil’s Liberals have refused to address this very serious labour issue in our province. Both the Liberals and Conservatives have crossed the workers’ picket lines by doing interviews with the paper. The Liberal government is supporting the Herald’s management by continuing to buy advertising from the paper. Stephen McNeil has also refused to call an Industrial Inquiry as the strike drags on.

Today, we reaffirm our Caucus’ support for the striking workers at the Chronicle Herald. Good journalism matters.”

• 30 -