Non-picketing pricks

I know I probably shouldn’t take this personally. But just because I’m a manager doesn’t mean I don’t have feelings, too.

I mean, if I were carried out of here on a stretcher, would this woman cheer?

For what it’s worth, the mood inside these days is one of low-grade, weary optimism. There is some sentiment that we’re getting close to “closing the IR file” (yes, I’ve actually heard it called that).

Now keep in mind that these are gut feelings – real info is hard to come by these days. But also keep in mind that this pitiful level of optimism is the highest I’ve recorded in the TBC in 45-some-odd days.

But what I would like to get straight is whether or not they are even still discussing casuals and temps. The CBC tells us they are not. The CMG tells us they are. The CBC tells us that the CMG doesn’t even want to talk about it. The CMG tells us that hell yeah! they want to talk about it.

You might remember that I caused a lot of discussion a while back when I said the CMG didn’t care bout my generation. But according to them, they aren’t going to let this one go.

Here’s hoping they do the right thing and follow through, and here’s hoping that when the contract is inked my people aren’t left fighting for the same scraps they were 50 days ago, and the CBC still isn’t saving money off their backs.

Here’s hoping they don’t get sold out to make a deal.

Now early on, I heard about how some union members were compiling a list of non-picketing CMG’ers – the ones who didn’t even sign up for picket duty, who have been watching Oprah all this time – which would be used to mete out some form of retribution. I never heard it again so I forgot about it.

But now I’m getting emails about it. It’s surreal when I’m asked about the CMG, but there you go.

Surely the union leaders have more important things to think about? Surely you have bigger battles to fight?

Surely you’re not interested in eating your own?

I’m no expert, but if you’re trying to outlast us, it’s probably the wrong route to take.

42 Comments

  • Anonymous says:

    CBC’s not a fun place. By our own admission, we’re bitter and untrusting. There’s never any money, and, as Doug Bell reported in the Star today, the govt is benignly indifferent at best, and uses CBC as a pawn when it suits them. It’s a bureaucracy, and you have to work really hard to get things done that should be easy.

    That’s ‘normal’. Post lockout, add a heightened sense of hostility, and maybe even working to rule.

    Here’s my question. If a good manager existed, why would he or she want to work for CBC?

    We get the management we deserve, I’m afraid.

  • Anonymous says:

    Jeepers, Anonymous-who-yelled-at-former-fan, simmer down.

    We’re such a self-centred, vicious bunch of drama queens. FF tells us our nastiness is upsetting him, so we tear him to shreds. First the so-called Gang of Four, then David Common, now we’re gonna turn on our AUDIENCE?!!

    Way to go.

  • Anonymous says:

    Hey Oiumet:

    I didn’t like this last post.
    I thought the ladies T shirt was very humorous. Summed up the strike perfectly. Don’t be such a melo drama queen. “If I was lying on a strecher she would cheer” Pu..leese give me a commercial break. She got the reaction she wanted and made you cry. Laugh it off my friend. I got to give the writer a D for that.
    I did like the writer that came up with the Betty Crocker piece the other day. That was quite an entertaining piece. You had to laugh at opening the cooked books.
    I give that post a B+.

  • Anonymous says:

    Where do YOU work,”Former Fan”? Do you think this could never happen to you? Do you really believe that after 2 months of no pay you would not be angry? That you would not be resentful?

    You’re right. There are indeed human beings on both sides here. And forgive us if we behave as such. On both sides.

    It is a terrible and difficult time, for all of us. One would hope that both sides could be gracious. But have you seen our picket lines? Have you seen managers avoiding us by sneaking in underground? Do you know about the managers that sent out an invitation to fellow managers to ‘celebrate the 6 week mark’,and then went out and spent over $1000 on drinks and food in a bar?

    Have you walked in our shoes?

    Unless you have, you cannot know what this is like.

    Pray this never happens to you.

  • Anonymous says:

    Just finished reading through these posts and I feel physically ill. What a poisonous lot you are. Ugh! And to think I was sympathetic to your cause. You guys are some of the meanest people I’™ve ever seen in action. Like the situation isn’™t difficult enough without your venom as a garnish. There are human beings on BOTH sides of this thing, being mercilessly squeezed between the institution of the CBC and the institution of the CMG. As always it’™s the human beings who are made to suffer while the institutions battle for supremacy. Surely you know that…Christ…so much for grace under fire. So much for integrity and basic human class. So much for my CBC. You’™ve made a believer out of me boy. I don’™t know whether to throw up or cry…

    A truly disgusted former fan

  • Agent 86 says:

    While we’re under this neverending cone of silence, get smarter, Ouimet! Can you accept that we, at best, don’t care about all the long hours you and others are putting in to keep the CBC going, and, at worst, we resent you for not stopping? We think that this lockout is so damaging to the future of the CBC — especially, the length of it — that we want you to be like Paul Workman, something that would undoubtedly end the lockout. If you can’t be, fine. But don’t complain that we aren’t too sympathetic or even a little abusive. We’re hurting more than you.

    Also, get smarter on trying to divide us. It’s absolutely none of your business what our union may or may not be doing about those not picketing. Whatever the essence of your comments, you are not in any position to be giving us advice or warnings in this matter. Regardless of what you write, you are an anonymous manager and who the hell knows what your true motivations are?!

  • Ouimet says:

    “Ouimet, why do you think the t-shirt is referring to you?”

    Not me, personally, as Ouimet, but me in the general sense as one of the people working long hours in here, to keep the CBC rolling.

    The SMC is determined not to go to black, but it’s not like they are in here making it so.

    “CMG leaders do have better things to do than keep a list of so called non-picketers. Not only is it untrue, it’™s absurd. This is just more spin meant to provoke, don’™t buy in.”

    Got it loud and clear, hon.

  • Anonymous says:

    One wonders why Ouimet continues to write when these are the comments that get posted. I guess a lot of people have come to a conclusion about why. For all I know Ouimet really is paid full-time to spread propaganda to undermine the CMG’s morale.

    And for all I know all of the anonymous comments are being posted by a CMG staffer hired to undermine management’s morale.

    I don’t work at the CBC. I’m glad. Someday, you are going to be working in the same building together again and it is really, really going to suck.

  • Anonymous says:

    “Have you ever sat in the next cubicle to a 30 year vet, day after day? I have. They practically count the days to retirement, that is when they’re not busy complaining hour after hour.”

    Yes I have. I almost am one. Allot of us who are read this blog. It’s true I have one eye on the pasture. I’m not walking the picket line for myself (besides for the pay) I’m walking it for people like you. People who need the security of a permanant job … because enough is enough.

    Our fight isn’t with eachother, it’s with the managers who are drunk on their self-centered power.

    I really hope this doesn’t turn into an in house union scrap. This isn’t over yet and that only weakens our solidarity.

    I also hope the fight doesn’t end just beacause we go back to work. Changes will still need to be made.

  • Anonymous says:

    “And are we all so sure that staff jobs are all they’re cracked up to be? I sure hear a lot of bitching from staffers.”

    Hear, hear. Have you ever sat in the next cubicle to a 30 year vet, day after day? I have. They practically count the days to retirement, that is when they’re not busy complaining hour after hour. As a person on a temp contract, it has scared the hell out of me. I don’t know if I want to do three decades of time – I don’t want to be like that. The CBC is so badly managed that the long timers frigging hate the place!

  • Anonymous says:

    NICE TRY OUIMET!!
    WE’RE STRONG AND WILL NOT BE DIVIDED!
    FUCK YOU!!!! FUCK YOU!!! FUCK YOU!!!!
    YOU STUPID DESPERATE MANAGER!

  • Anonymous says:

    “A lot of “fucks” being leveled in the last few blogs. I guess the former CEP members have come online. Bring on the oil drums.”

    This has to have been written by a manager. Don’t bother trying to create a rift between the former CEP members and the CMG members. You tried that with the last lockout. No, thanks to you we are totally united and a force to be reckoned with. I’ll fuck to that. Bottoms up!

  • Wayfaring Stranger says:

    If it was WE MET’s intention to “stir things up” he/she has been successful. Let’s all get over it. The only good thing about this ploy is that it has provided a distraction for the on-line readers waiting to hear any updated news of the negotiations.

    The only employees locked out are all represented by CMG. Just maybe we’ll be back at work by the day after Thanksgiving and have a collective agreement with which we can all live.

    For the record, as a “former CEP member”, over the past 25 years I’ve been out for different lengths of time with NABET, CUPE, CEP x 2 and now CMG.

    Oh, and one other thing, just so that no one is disappointed . . . . Hey Ouimet, FUCK YOU!!

  • Anonymous says:

    A lot of “fucks” being leveled in the last few blogs. I guess the former CEP members have come online. Bring on the oil drums.

    This is my third strike as well. I walked the last two as a CEP member. By the way, we are all journalists, whether you like it or not.
    I also wrote the comment above. Based on the reaction, I’d say it’s fairly accurate.

  • Laurence says:

    Make that a fourth. And being in NABET, CEP and CMG still didn’t make my degree (or anyone else’s, and there are a number) go away…….

  • Anonymous says:

    To respond to an earlier comment: The level of profanity in the comments has nothing to do with CEP
    members coming online — I think it’s because WE’RE HITTING THE TWO MONTH MARK.
    And you’re telling me journalists aren’t capable of swearing? Hell, I know reporters who can make sailors blush with their language.
    Is “hell” okay with you?
    Leave CEP alone. This is our third.

  • Former CEP Member says:

    Anonymous said…

    A lot of “fucks” being leveled in the last few blogs. I guess the former CEP members have come online. Bring on the oil drums.

    9:55 PM, October 01, 2005

    Of course no one from Unit 1 has ever used the F-bombed so logically it must be a former CEP member.

    Thanks for the jab.

    I never knew since you had a degree you were allowed to deficate (wow what a big word) on your fellow CMG members.

    Thanks Again

    A Former CEP member

  • Anonymous says:

    I know what you mean, Picket Captain Anonymous.

    And I’ve done my share, in the past AND this time around, of warning youngsters who don’t know any better and might get themselves in trouble. I remember being advised not to scab when I was in school, and I’m grateful today for that.

    But these kids aren’t scabbing, and there’s a big difference between warning and threatening. The Open Letter was in a union publication, which means it was an official communication from the union. Which makes it a threat, or at the very least, unwise. Remember last time CEP went out, and the Guild advised its members to consult their consciences before going to work on Day One. The govt interpreted that as counsel, and the Guild got smacked around for it. I interpret this open letter as the same thing – counsel to discriminate against the kids later in hiring boards. And even if I’m wrong, and it wasn’t meant that way, the odds are at least one or two “hiring” Guild members will think the same thing I did, and maybe even act on it.

    Bad news. Not kosher. Small-minded.

  • Anonymous says:

    You sound like someone who has not been doing his/her 2 minutes, Ouimet. I think you are the one who is afraid of retribution. It must be scary in there, knowing that a lot of people will be back in ‘your’ halls soon. The blog was easy – the face to face will not be. You sound like you are realizing that people outside have been keeping track.

    Nice try, but you clearly don’t get it, even now. We are bloodied, but not beaten…and we’re not afraid. Keep up the scare tactics -they’ve worked very well so far. Haven’t they????

  • Anonymous says:

    Just trying to go to school? I have been doing picket captain duty since day one.
    Let me tell you about these lovely students coming through our doors. They have been
    extremely abusive and belligerent to picket captains and picketers alike. We have tired to be patient and have even expressed our desire not to hold them up because we understand this dispute is not about them, but it is in fact about young people not unlike themselves.

    The union has met with the school and has gone as far as to offer them a mentoring program to which they were told they were not interested. A letter went out to students early on explaining our dispute yet it obviously had little impact, whether this is the fault of the school or the students or both, I don’™t need to stand for this type of abuse.

    Many of us do sit on hiring boards, and I do not believe that what was put out in the newsletter was meant as threat but rather a reality. They are simply asking that the line be respect. I can not understand why anyone would take offensive to this.

  • Anonymous says:

    You know Loyalist, I agree with you that the myth of the CBC will ultimately destroy it.

    And I think there’s another myth that needs to be busted…

    The belief that CBC management is supposed to be some all loving, nurturing parent and that the worker bees it’s brilliant, compliant children.

    It sounds stupid and unrealistic until you recognize that each side seems to have that expectation of the other.

    What we have instead is the opposite.

    I have this picture in my head of management negotiators telling the union, “My house, my rules!”

    With the union responding, “You’re not the boss of me!”

    Both sides need to grow up.

    I sure as hell hope the mediator has some experience in family therapy.

  • Anonymous says:

    THANK YOU to the last Anonymous.

    I’ve been wondering when somebody would bring that up.

    Isn’t it illegal to threaten discriminatory hiring? Not to mention kind of unseemly, given that those kids have absolutely nothing to do with all this. They’re not scabbing, they’re trying to GO TO SCHOOL.

  • Anonymous says:

    No doubt my union has better things to do than collect lists about who’s not toeing the line.

    Sadly the CMG believes that one of those things includes writing a disgusting and nasty threatening letter to students of the Toronto School of Design who happen to attend classes in the Broadcast Centre. (See past Friday’s “On the Line” thingy.) Seems they’re not following protocol as they cross the picket line. Fair enough; wise ’em up to what’s expected.

    But do we need to threaten them with retribution should they ever come before our exalted selves on a job board? And we’re telling them we will be taking their pictures? And sending same to the police?? Who approved this nonsense? Who do we think we are? Who do they (and other Canadians) think we are?

    If we are convinced we have the moral high ground we should illustrate that by staying as civil as possible. Vitriol may taste good right now but it’s not helping to end this thing and it’s possibly poisoning our future.

  • Anonymous says:

    A lot of “fucks” being leveled in the last few blogs. I guess the former CEP members have come online. Bring on the oil drums.

  • Anonymous says:

    Your narcissism’s showing again in spades Ouimet. Quit thinking you’re so important. Quit beleiveing your own press. You’re just a pawn in this whole thing. No one cares about you personally and the t-shirt isn’t referring to you.

    I’ve been overworked plenty “inside”, for 12+ hour shifts, without a day off for weeks on end so I know what it’s like. And I certainly didn’t have the time during those work runs to blog and surf the net on the company’s dime. So quit feeling so sorry for yourself… you signed on for your job, so deal with it.

    As one wise poster said up the thread, the whole thing’s a game. What’s unique about the climate on the line this time around is that, with everyone involved, the arguments over what this is all about have a different theme.

  • Loyalist says:

    Now I don’t want to sound anything less than keen, but would somebody please explain to me…when did working for the CBC become a quasi religious experience, when did it become a calling as opposed to a job?

    I’ve been asking myself that same question ever since the lockout began.

    I suspect it has to do with the corporate culture that has arisen around the myth of CBC as Canada’s great public broadcaster.

    In the blogs and comments by CBC employees and their fans, one common theme keeps reoccuring: that of CBC as the one institution which allows all Canadians a place where they may speak, be heard, share their stories, and be educated about the true virtues of Canadian identity and citizenship.

    To them, CBC is the thin red line that stands between Canadian political and cultural independence and assimilation into the United States.

    The employees believe the myth, or else they would not tolerate years on end of contract and casual employment while waiting for promised permanent positions that never materialize.

    The managers believe the myth, or they would not be convinced that CBC’s mission is so noble that abusing its employees in a way the commercial networks wouldn’t is but a necessary evil.

    The CBC cannot be saved unless both sides let go of the myth.

  • Anonymous says:

    Get a grip. That’s not about you. Nobody even really cares who you are. Especially not on the radio picket line in St. John’s — where that picture was taken. That’s about the big fromages who orchestrated this whole bloody mess in the first place.

    When you spend months robbed of your professional identity and thousands of dollars in income, then you can be sensitive. But really. We’re locked out and a little t-shirt has got you upset?Get a grip. You really should come to St. John’s so you can develop a sense of humour.

  • Anonymous says:

    Watching Oprah?

    Maybe.

    Like most of our former audience people are watching anything but CBC and Newsworld because it is full of crap these days–thanks to the brainiacs in senior management.

    Give me a break.

    But I doubt locked out employees have time to watch TV of any kind.
    If people are not picketing it is because they are working in warehouses, stacking shelves, digging ditches, doing temp jobs or taking courses to pursue another career. There is little choice. We don’t want to lose our homes or have our kids go hungry.

    Choosing not to picketing would is also our right.

    So don’t break a nail as you attempt to do struck work…and collect your outrageous bonuses.

    At least our hard work allows us to sleep at night.

  • Anonymous says:

    “So fuck off, “Ouimet” (WE MET) with your provocations and coy bullshit. I’m outta here! Time to get busy.”

    Peter Mansbridge finally speaks up.

  • Dr. Strangelove says:

    I had avoided reading these blogs up until the past week, and now I will resume my avoidance. The level of communication is starting to take on a ‘comic book’ quality.

    I’m a CMG member and I have’nt picketed a day; that’s my choice. I support those who do… that’s their choice as well. And I support the union completely with the stand they are taking against CBC upper level mis-management.

    If anybody wants to put my name on a list and whack me later, well… there’s not much I can do about it. Been whacked before for dumber shit than this, and anyway ya can’t please everybody!

    Something tells me, though, that the CMG has better things to do.

    So fuck off, “Ouimet” (WE MET) with your provocations and coy bullshit. I’m outta here! Time to get busy.

  • Anonymous says:

    You are right, CMG leaders do have better things to do than keep a list of so called non-picketers. Not only is it untrue, it’™s absurd. This is just more spin meant to provoke, don’™t buy in.

  • Anonymous says:

    Speaking of A**holes… could we please not forget Mr. Jack Astor, Doug Brooks.

  • Anonymous says:

    I would not cheer at anyone’s misfortune, so in the spirit of good will, an old fashioned Foster Hewitt shout out to all you TBC shut-ins.

    And while I’m confused about a lot, one thing I do understand is this is just one big game.

    But sadly, while a bunch of fat naked emperors stare each other down in a swanky hotel, playing snakes and ladders, it’s my ass that’s on the line and my ass is the one getting cold!

    Solve it already would you!

    Now I don’t want to sound anything less than keen, but would somebody please explain to me…when did working for the CBC become a quasi religious experience, when did it become a calling as opposed to a job?

    And are we all so sure that staff jobs are all they’re cracked up to be? I sure hear a lot of bitching from staffers. Plus, it encourages a parent child relationship with the employer.

    I want to support my union and
    I’m far from pro-management but I still dont get how come a union representing 5500 employees gets to decide how the corporation should be run?

    There are 30 million shareholders in this company, who gave us the power to decide what direction it should take?

    Is it a f**ked up, poorly run place? You betya (in my humble opinion).

    Can you say, a proclivity towards crappy budgeting, no consistency, playing favourites, sycophantic ass kissing ones way into management, lack of focus, no direction, ethnic diversity without context…need I go on?
    (Have I pissed off both management and union types now? Damn, I’d make a good reporter!)

    Seems to me it’s not the contracting out that causes problems with the product, it’s the way the place is managed, and not just by those in management (again in my humble opinion).

    I feel like I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole and landed in Harper Valley.

    On the one hand we worker bees are walking the line for some Holy Grail of artistic expression and journalism.

    On the other, we’re fighting that employees in one area be allowed to bump into another based on senority? Have you ever worked with a bumper? It’s often not exactly a road map to preserving the best of the best.

    I’ve never been to the Niagra Institute, so maybe there’s something I’m not understanding, cause for the life of me I can’t figure out what a win would be in this game.

  • Anonymous says:

    Believe nothing that you hear and half of what you see.
    The CMG is not “eating their own” despite efforts like this to try and divide us into bite size portions.

  • Anonymous says:

    The only list I know of is the one being kept of the “insiders” who sneak out and sit amongst us to watch the afternoon concerts. We know who you are.

  • Anonymous says:

    Come to think of it … Oimet’s writing style has changed. Maybe she has been blogjacked by one of those monkey managers drone always talks about. Or it could be the drone himself hmmmmmm

  • Anonymous says:

    Oh Yeah Fuck Smith, Chalmers, Harris and Freddy Matticks..tocks or what ever the dweebs last fueking name is.
    Fuck the APS and Fuck the folks who speak with the gaurds.
    Fuck the CMG unit 1 TIMECARD NAZI’S especially the fucking twit who thinks her shit doesn’t stink who won’t cut people 5 minutes slack on Monday & Tuesday evenings.

    Oh Yeah where is Mansbridge and his picket sign. Also Fuck Andy Barrie the guy who when he was at CFRB shit all over the CBC.

  • Fuck You says:

    Hey Ouimet Fuck you and Rabinoshit!!!!

  • Anonymous says:

    Ouimet, why do you think the t-shirt is referring to you? The last I heard, the only confirmed assholes were Rabinovitch, Smith and possibly Stursberg and Chalmers. Now, don’t get me wrong. Middle and low managers in general will feel some wrath. There have been a few who have not snuck in the back door in Toronto. A few who have visited the lines in various locations. But, the ones who just didn’t bother, well they may not make the official asshole list, but they certainly haven’t won any good will. And, they will find themselves with a big problem when we get back. Too bad. If you’ve come to the line and waited your two minutes, then you’ll be fine.
    As far as the CMG “list” of non-picketers, I can tell absolutely and completely, this is NOT true. Some people are not picketing for a variety of reasons. A few don’t need the money, so they “visit” occasionally. Many can’t picket because they are working elsewhere. Some aren’t picketing because child care is more costly than lockout pay. And yes, there is a small percentage that arent’ picketing because they don’t believe in this fight. There is no list, there will be no retribution for not picketing. Conspiracy theories, it seems, are the hobby of the day on the inside. Either that or the first poster is correct and you’re just trying to divide people. Either way, it’s ridiculous.

  • Anonymous says:

    Don’t be so sensitive. I’ve been known to call my father an asshole from time to time (if you knew him you’d understand) but I certainly wouldn’t cheer if he were hurt. A t-shirt is nothing to fear – it’s just allowing us to vent a little rage, which we’re entitled to do. I mean come on, we’re angry, but we’re not evil.

    As for retribution for non-picketers – that’s silly. People are entitled to make up their own minds. We’re not cabinet ministers and no one can be forced to tow the party line. I’m sure the majority of union members understand that. However, I do think there will be some passionate union supporters who will have some trouble understanding a colleague’s decision not to picket. It’s understandable really given the emotionally charged circumstances and the bonding that takes place on the line. But, whatever. I expect low grade disagreements – likely nothing worse than a scuffle over who owns the orange juice left in the communal fridge. People will direct their anger where it should be directed – upper management.

  • Anonymous says:

    Uhm..’scuse me Oiumet but uh, how to put this delicately?, um..I think you’ve cracked. And I don’t think it’s ’cause your a/c is too cold. I sense from your posting that the Drone may be to blame. Nice job Drone. Too bad you can’t come out for a break to enjoy one of our concerts..or the sun..or speak to to non-manager types..I tell you, those things can really help to keep ou sane. Ah well, best of luck. And maybe stay away from the Drone for a while.

  • Anonymous says:

    If I was that woman and you were carried out on a stretcher I would restrain myself from cheering.

    CMG is collecting non-picketers names? For retribution? Every member has the right to choose weather to picket or not. Just don’t expect to get paid if you don’t.

    I can smell your smoke and see the mirrors you’ve set up. I guess you’re trying to get us to step on eachothers toes … maybe start pushing eachother around in all the confusion.

    Nice try.

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