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Freelance writers say 'no' to Quebecor's rights-grabbing contract |
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OTTAWA, Dec. 13 /CNW Telbec/ - Canadian Freelance Union (CFU) is deeply
concerned about recent actions of Quebecor Media over its treatment of
independent freelance writers.
Small independent writers are being forced to sign away virtually all
rights to their work without reasonable compensation or even recognition of
the value they bring to the newspaper. This is unfair and unacceptable, says
CFU President Michael OReilly.
"Quebecor is one of Canada's largest media giants. It has revenue of over
$6.3 billion worldwide, yet it wants to squeeze even more from some of
Canada's lowest paid workers," says OReilly. "This is the most one-sided
contract I have seen. It takes everything and leaves the writers with nothing
but the legal liability should someone decide to sue. We are advising
freelancers not to sign."
The CFU is a Local of the 150,000-member Communications, Energy and
Paperworkers Union, which represents about 25,000 media workers across Canada.
CEP Vice-President, Media, Peter Murdoch says "this attack on freelancers is a
direct result of staff cuts to newsrooms. In the rush to the bottom line,
media corporations are eroding the wages of freelancers and jeopardizing the
standards of the craft at the same time"
"CFU has the full weight of CEP and fellow media unions in calling on
Quebecor to come to the negotiating table to discuss a fair deal," he says.
Last week Quebecor, through its Sun Media subsidiary, issued a 'take it
or leave it' contract to its freelance writers. It demands that writers give
the newspaper complete control over their works for no additional payment. It
also demands exclusive use of the articles, "and any substantially similar
content," for up to 60 days after publication.
"We are more than happy to work with our publisher colleagues to license
whatever rights they would like. All we ask is to be treated fairly," adds
OReilly.
For further information: Michael OReilly, President, Canadian Freelance
Union, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union, Local 2040, (807)
251-6536, freelance@cep.ca
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