Membership Update
January 15, 2024
Dear Black Press Members (Lower Mainland and Trail),
The Union has been made aware of the announcement made by Black Press earlier this afternoon regarding its sale and restructuring through the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) process. We have spoken with the Company, and they have told us that it is “business as usual” while going through the CCAA process. They have also indicated that they have no plans to close any of their media properties. As mentioned in their communication to staff, they will abide by the working conditions as laid out in our Collective Agreements. We have had a couple of questions come in this afternoon that we would like to address.
Pension:
In their communication to staff, the Company references pension underfunding. This does NOT apply to unionized employees as you are all part of the Unifor Multi-Employer Pension Plan. As the name suggests, there are many employers in the plan, not just Black Press – so your pension is unaffected by this announcement. The Company will continue to remit pension contributions to the Pension Plan as usual.
Restructuring and Cost Savings Measures:
The Company mentions restructuring and Cost Savings in the documents they sent out. We want to assure members that your working conditions cannot change without the Company first negotiating changes with the Union. We have not had any such discussions with the Company.
In the Company’s view, these CCAA proceedings should advance quickly and smoothly. Unlike many other CCAA proceedings, the Company has a buyer with a Sale Agreement already in place.
We will update you as things develop. If you have any questions or concerns or if you have any issues regarding your working conditions, please feel free to reach out to your servicing officer Bill Catterall at [email protected]. Thank you.
In solidarity,
Bill Catterall Brian Gibson
Secretary-Treasurer President
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