BY JASON THOMPSON
Two weeks ago, locked out CBC employees took to the streets, chanting their rally cries.
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CBC workers may not be on air right now, but they are online after launching a new website. |
In an effort to re-open the lines of communication with their listeners, members of the Northern Ontario Media Guild launched a website on Monday, available at www.lockoutradiocadenas.ca.
?The lock out means the CBC isn?t doing what it?s supposed to do, and that?s to give northerners a voice and a place to hear stories that matter in their communities,? said Markus Schwabe, host of Morning North on CBC Radio One.
The website features links to Internet blogs from across the country and information surrounding the lock out, as well as news headlines like: New pitbull legislation in Ontario now in effect. What?s the reaction of pitbull owners? Sorry, we can?t tell you. There?s nobody in the CBC newsroom.
?It?s a good way to talk to the people and to let people communicate with us,? said Claude Gagnon, Ontario director of the Canadian Media Guild. ?The
day we get back on the job, we?re going to have lots of work to do to bring back the people again.?
The website also has contact information for Northern Ontario MPs. Some believe only political pressure in Ottawa will bring the lock out to an end.
?We want the public to contact the MPs across Northern Ontario to let them know the CBC is important for everyone,? Gagnon said.
Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) members made a picket line appearance on Monday showing support for the CBC workers. They gave $500 from their solidarity and social justice fund to help the picketers cope with the financial aspects of being locked out.
?Our union always supports other people on strike or locked out with moral support and a monetary donation,? said Rick Grylls, president of Mine Mill and smelter workers union local 598 CAW.
The CBC and their union are currently at odds over the national broadcaster?s wish to use more temporary contract workers as opposed to permanent staffed positions. There has been no negotiation between the two sides since the lock out began.
