Fun, retro-style video from CMG drives home reasons to join a union

March 02, 2012 Editor Bit of fun canadian media guildcollective actionfreelance unionsnewsunion organizingvideo

For those not yet convinced, this video commissioned by the Canadian Media Guild/CWA Canada cheekily illustrates a few good reasons to join a union.

Produced by MyFilm Productions, with music by Incompetech, the narrative centres on "Jenny," who is excited to start her new job, only to discover that she was hired to replace a more experienced colleague, who will now be "restructured" out the door, and that her new employers aren't too interested in fairness or respect for their workers. Jenny needs a union.

The video takes place in a traditional office setting, but the benefits of joining a union apply just as easily to freelancers. Some of these were discussed in this post by the Born Freelancer, and even more are outlined on the CMG's Freelance Branch page.

[The video was first posted yesterday on the CMG website.]

Time to file: The Born Freelancer on taxing matters

February 28, 2012 Editor Advice adviceborn freelancerexpensesfinancesfreelance lifetaxes

This series of posts by the Born Freelancer will share personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? Your input is welcome in the comments.Death and taxes. The only things certain in life. That and the fact there will be nothing I want to watch on TV when I turn it on tonight. (And…

Off the Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Feb. 21–26, 2012

February 26, 2012 Editor News newsoff the wire

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Songwriters get an online royalty collection service — where’s ours?

February 24, 2012 Editor Compensation amazonbillboard.bizcopyrightroyaltiessongwritingtrouble spotstunecore

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Off the Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Feb. 13–20, 2012

February 20, 2012 Editor News newsoff the wire

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Why I quit blogging and why you should too (if you’re a writer) [UPDATED]

February 17, 2012 Editor Compensation bloggingfreelancer ratesgetting paidtreehuggerwriting

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On professionalism

February 17, 2012 Editor Advice adviceborn freelancerchristopher hitchensprofessionalism

The Born Freelancer replies to a comment on bridge-burningLast month, "Dude" commented on my post about blowing up bridges: "I think it quite ironic that in this post you caution against bridge burning, then two posts down celebrate the life of someone who was fearless—and sometimes reckless—enough to burn every bridge he'd ever built. As for…

Off the Wire: News for the Canadian media freelancer Feb. 6–12, 2012

February 12, 2012 Editor News newsoff the wire

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Letter from CP Ottawa bureau workers expresses anger, disappointment over contract negotiations

February 10, 2012 Editor News bargainingbenefitscanadian media guildcanadian presscollective actioncontract negotiationslayoffstrouble spotswages

Our post earlier this week about the contract negotiations between the Canadian Media Guild, on behalf of its members, and The Canadian Press focused on what both those bodies are asking for, but what about the employees and their voice in all this? More than two months into negotiations, and after the recent appointment of a conciliator for the…

The Canadian Media Guild fights on behalf of its members in negotiations with The Canadian Press

February 08, 2012 Editor News bargainingbenefitscanadian media guildcanadian presscollective actioncontract negotiationslayoffstrouble spotswages

When the company you're negotiating with starts off by calling its financial situation "dire," it's probably safe to assume you're in for a long and bumpy ride.That's the message that the Canadian Media Guild heard from to The Canadian Press late last year, when it began negotiating with the company on behalf of its members. Their contract was…