A BRIEF HISTORY

CEP Local 72M represents English and French employees working as production, transmitter, and maintenance technicians, researchers, education officers, graphic artists, production and office staff at TVOntario. Some of our members have a long history with the Local.

CEP Local 72M celebrates 30 years as a union in 2001. Originally it was a part of NABET, a broadcast union in Canada which represented radio and television workers across the country. NABET first came to Canada in the 1950's to organize the CBC. Local 72 was organized in 1971.

The economics of size brought about a merger with a larger union - the Communications, Energy & Paperworkers Union in 1993. This merger created a media sector within the CEP (the “M” in Local 72M). This new sector has brought together a diverse group of broadcast and print locals including SONG and TNG. The media sector is represented at the National Executive Council by the Media Vice President.

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HOW LOCAL 72M WORKS

By spreading work around, the Local Executive is able to do much more. That’s why reps are appointed and committees set up to study issues that require a lot of discussion and planning. Regular standing committees continue from year to year, although the people on them may change. Health and Safety, Job Evaluation, and Pensions (CCSB) are examples of standing committees. Special committees are often set up to do short-term jobs, such as running a picnic or investigating a problem.

COMMUNICATION WITHIN THE LOCAL

Local 72M uses several forms of communication to stay in touch with its members. Electronic discussion forums for both the membership at large and the Local Executive Board have been set up to share information and discuss issues using E-Mail. This unique system helps keep members involved in the Local’s activities, and enables the Executive to work more effectively on behalf of its members.

Local 72M also conducts “Open Forum Day” twice per year, where members can meet with Officers and Stewards on the Executive Board to discuss concerns or problems. This day-long forum gives members another way to communicate with E-Board members, in addition to regular access to their Steward.

In addition to the above, the Local also publishes the “Station Break” newsletter, which is mailed to every member in good standing.

HEALTH & SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE

Local 72M has three members who are part of a Joint Union/Management Health & Safety Committee, who ensure that the working conditions for bargaining unit members are closely monitored. The current Chair of Local 72M’s Health & Safety Committee is certified by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, and in addition to carrying out the regular duties of H&SC members, has the additional authority to initiate bilateral and unilateral work stoppages - subject to the guidelines established by the Ministry of Labour to protect workers against serious risk. Some of the duties that the members of the Health & Safety Committee perform are: representing the workers and inspecting the physical condition of the workplace, equipment and work practices; accompanying Inspectors from the Ministry of Labour; investigating any critical or fatal accidents; and assisting in the investigation of work refusal.

FIGHTING FOR THE CAUSE

Local 72M is involved in many worthwhile causes, and often donates to various charities such as Doctors Without Borders, The Daily Bread Food Bank, Homes First Society, Covenant House, Oxfam, and the Spina Bifida Association (CEP’s charity of choice). Local 72M has also given donations “in memory of” to such organizations as the Canadian Cancer Society, the Alzheimer's Association, North York General Hospital and the Charlottetown County Hospital Foundation (for a breast cancer support group).

One of the biggest issues currently facing Local 72M is the erosion of staff bargaining unit jobs in favour of contract positions which do not require the company to pay benefits or deal with seniority issues like vacation accruals. The fight to preserve staff positions is ongoing.