Striking workers at the Halifax Chronicle Herald ratified an agreement with their employer today, ending a strike that has stretched on for over 18 months.
The Halifax Typographical Union, which represents the striking workers, announced that members voted 94 percent in favour of accepting the agreement. It was reached after two days of mediation led by a government-appointed arbitrator.
Approximately 60 unionized reporters, photographers, editors and support staff walked off the job on January 23, 2016 over contract issues ranging from pay and pension cuts, to layoffs and longer working hours.
Shortly after the strike began, the striking journalists launched an online news site called Local Xpress. CMG Freelance supported freelancers who withdrew their services from the Chronicle Herald during the strike by paying them to write for the Local Xpress instead.
A press release issued by CWA Canada, parent union to both the CMG and the Halifax Typographical Union, says that the 8-year deal includes a 5 percent wage cut as well as a number of staff layoffs.
It also says that Local Xpress will be shut down as part of the agreement.