Cable, satellite workers need a union
CABLE/SATELLITE WORKERS NEED A UNION!
The cable/satellite companies have been making huge profits for years and it keeps getting better for the shareholders. Are you getting your fair share of those profits in recognition of your contributions to your employer's success? Do you feel you deserve the dignity of workplace democracy and the fairness and security that comes with belonging to a union?
CEP Local 87M, Ontario's largest media union local, already represents workers at Rogers Communications, Canada's largest cable company, and at Quebecor, which owns Videotron cable. And we already represent members in the broadcast sector. So we're a natural fit for employees at Rogers, Shaw, Cogeco, Videotron or any other cable company whose employees want the rights and benefits of belonging to a union.
Statistics Canada, as reliable a source as can be found, makes it clear that union workers earn more money and have better benefits than non-union workers. But, more than that, unionized workers have protection from unjustified dismissal that allows them to raise all kinds of issues in the workplace without fear of reprisal. In other words, they have a say in their working life.
Here are some other important facts from a December, 2009 Statistics Canada report for you to consider:
1. In 2008, the operating revenues of cable and satellite television companies rose 14.4% to $10.3 billion (current dollars). It was the third consecutive year that the industry had revenue growth in excess of 10%.
Cable operators were largely responsible for the industry’s revenue growth. Revenues were $8.3 billion in 2008, up 15.3% from 2007. Cable operators enjoyed revenue growth of more than 15% for a third consecutive year, primarily due to substantial gains in the telephony and Internet markets.
2. Cable operators had a profit margin before interest and taxes of 26%, compared to 4.1% for the wireless/satellite sector.
3. Nationally, employment in the cable sector has gone from 12,445 in 2004 to 20,157 in 2008.
These figures show that this industry, which is in a virtual monopoly position in most markets, could well afford union wages.
Let's organize cable workers in one big union at each company. That includes the following categories of workers:
1. Content workers in radio, television and magazines.
2. Technicians who install and maintain cable and wireless facilities, plus those who work on residential and business service.
3. Call centre workers who respond to customer inquiries.
4. Clerical workers in offices.
Please look at the information we provide under the "Organize Now" button on our home page, song.on.ca, for questions and answers about organizing, or email us at info@song.on.ca or call 416-461-2461 (1-800-463-5797), ext 7.
Your confidentiality is assured.
Brad Honywill
President
CEP Local 87M
News on the cable/satellite sector:
Rogers buying Atria Networks for $425 million
Rogers Communications Inc. is buying a vast fibre-optic network with direct access to more than 1,000 small and mid-sized firms, a major boost in the crucial business telecommunications market. The $425-million deal for Atria Networks LP, which analysts said makes strategic sense but could have come cheaper, puts the communications giant in a far better position to explore urban markets around and beyond its network footprint for lucrative business customers as corporate spending on telecom services begins to pick up after the recession.