CAW and CEP Begin Talks on Formation of New Union

2012-01-24
The executive boards of the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions have unanimously approved a process to explore the possibility of creating a new Canadian union as soon as mid-2013.

Leaders of the two unions have held preliminary discussions for several weeks, reviewing the current labour relations climate and the challenges facing organized labour, and considering whether the formation of a new Canadian union would help the movement to address those challenges. Now those discussions have been formally endorsed by the elected National Executive Boards of both unions. At separate meetings within the last week, the two boards unanimously approved a "Process Protocol" document. This document sets out the terms of reference and a timeline for union representatives to explore issues related to the formation of a new union.

"Events like the lockout at Caterpillar have made it increasingly obvious that Canadian workers need a stronger, more active, and more innovative labour movement to defend them," says Ken Lewenza, CAW national president. "Our movement cannot afford a 'business-as-usual' approach in light of the attacks we face from both business and government. We need to combine our resources, and use them more effectively, if we are to protect Canadian jobs and push for greater equality in this incredibly hostile economic environment."

"Our goal is to create a new, Canadian union," says Dave Coles, president of the CEP. "We are examining every aspect of our work as trade unions, from organizing to bargaining to political activism. We are working to create a stronger union movement and a better future for workers."

Under the Process Protocol, a representative committee will work over coming months to investigate specific issues related to a new union (including dues and finances, representative structures, and regional issues).  It will issue a report on whether a new union is feasible and desirable in time for the upcoming conventions of both unions (August 2012 for the CAW, and October 2012 for the CEP).

Both unions pledged a high degree of transparency concerning the work of the Process Committee, including the establishment of a joint website devoted to the project.

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TSN Secures 10-Year Australian Open Extension

2012-01-13

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TSN confirmed today the network has secured a multi-year rights extension that will see TSN broadcast the Australian Open through to 2021.  The new deal ensures TSN continues to be the home of all of tennis' marquee Grand Slam events including the French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open.

Live from Melbourne, TSN and TSN2 deliver more than 130 hours of live coverage of the 2012 Australian Open - from the first round all the way through to the finals beginning Sunday, Jan. 15.

TSN.ca will have live streaming of bonus court coverage as well as select matches available on-demand. Tournament coverage will also be available live on TSN Mobile TV.

RDS and RDS2 will offer more than 100 hours of Australian Open coverage, beginning Sunday, Jan. 15 on RDS2.

 ESPN Classic Canada serves up a marathon of memories from the Australian Open this weekend beginning with the 1992 Men's Final that saw Jim Courier defeat Stefan Edberg in three sets on Saturday, Jan. 14 

 

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Rogers Launches Sports Cable Service

  2012-01-12

Rogers Communications today launched another industry first with Sportsnews, a barker channel at no additional cost to Rogers digital cable customers. Sportsnews will promote sports services and content available on Rogers Cable.

"Sportsnews is the first cable service of its kind in Canada. It's where customers can learn about our sports programming as well as what's happening in the world of sports - 24/7 and right at their fingertips," said, Anthony Antonelli, Senior Director, Sports & On Demand Services, Rogers Communications.

Sportsnews helps customers get more from their sports channels and programming packages and is also a destination for sports fans seeking timely information about their favourite professional leagues. Whether it's scores, stats, fantasy information or breaking news, fans will always be connected.

"Just like other recent innovations such as live-streaming on multiple platforms of Blue Jays and Maple Leafs games, Rogers continues to demonstrate how dedicated we are to our passionate sports customers," said Antonelli. "Whether you're at a sports bar with friends, the gym, or at home in front of your big screen TV, Sportsnews will keep you up-to-date with the day's key match-ups, headlines, scores, stats and breaking news through a real-time Twitter feed," said Antonelli.

The channel is available to all Rogers digital cable customers in Ontario and Atlantic Canada  in both SD and HD starting today.

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TSN Annonces Multi-Year Partnership for Dominion Curling Skins Game


 2012-01-09

TSN today announced a new multi-year curling partnership with The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company that will see Canada's trusted insurance company become the title sponsor of TSN's annual curling skins event. Beginning January 2013, The Dominion All-Star Curling Skins Game features the top men's curlers in Canada as voted by the fans and competing for $100,000 in prize money live on TSN.

The announcement was made by George Cooke, CEO and President of The Dominion, and Stewart Johnston, President of TSN, during the fourth end of the 2012 TSN Curling Skins Game final at Casino Rama featuring Kevin Koe taking on Jeff Stoughton.

"We at The Dominion are excited to be the title sponsor of the The Dominion All-Star Curling Skins Game.  This event will raise the profile of curling in Canada, pushing it upward in the hierarchy of sport - parallel to that of hockey, baseball or basketball which all have All-Star game events," said Cooke. "Enabling curlers and curling teams to take part in the team selection furthers The Dominion's commitment to the growth of grassroots curling in Canada. We are proud to partner with TSN, a broadcast leader and a true friend to the sport of curling - as is The Dominion."

"TSN is thrilled to partner with The Dominion for the The Dominion All-Star Curling Skins Game. This best-in-class event will no doubt continue in TSN's long-standing skins tradition of giving Canadian fans fierce curling competition from the country's top curlers," said Johnston. "Curling has forever been a part of the sporting fabric of our nation and its significance, especially at the grassroots level, has never been greater. To work alongside The Dominion on promoting the game in communities across Canada and engaging fans with the chance to vote in their favourite curlers are privileges that we are proud to have."

"The Canadian Curling Association was pleased to help bring TSN and The Dominion together in an effort to further enhance the Skins Game, its format and its place within the TSN framework. This event has become a fan favourite and it will now allow curling enthusiasts from across the country to have a say in how the event looks and its representation," said Greg Stremlaw, Chief Executive Officer of the sport's national governing body, the Canadian Curling Association. "The CCA is very proud to be involved with this event and enhanced collaboration with both our exclusive broadcast partner, TSN, and the CCA's official insurance company, The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company."

The Dominion All-Star Curling Skins Game gives fans the opportunity to vote online at TSN.ca to select their favourite four curlers at each position - lead, second, third and skip - to participate in TSN's annual curling skins event. The curlers included on the all-star ballot are ranked by the Canadian Team Ranking System, which is used by the CCA.

Similar to previous TSN Skins events, The Dominion Curling Skins Game uses a single-elimination format whereby the winner is decided by total prize money and not total points throughout the two-day event.

TSN's partnership with The Dominion extends to the insurance company's extensive programs and platforms supporting grassroots curling in Canada, including The Dominion Curling Club Championship - the ultimate experience for club curlers. Beginning in December 2012, TSN will air an annual one-hour special on The Dominion Curling Club Championship, as the country's top men's and women's club championship teams are afforded the opportunity to compete not only within their province or territory, but also nationally in the CCA sanctioned event.