CWG negotiates new deal with Reader’s Digest
It doesn’t happen every day, so when writers make gains after negotiating with a publication, it’s a story worth sharing. Working with Reader’s Digest managing editor Derek Webster, Derek Finkle negotiated a new pay grid on behalf of writers represented by the Canadian Writers Group this fall. Shortly before Webster left the magazine in October, […]
Patricia Pearson lands a piece in the New Yorker, with help from CWG
Getting a humour piece into the New Yorker is no easy feat, and it takes a special kind of writer to meet the magazine’s sky-high standards. Patricia Pearson, who is represented by the Canadian Writers Group, is one of those writers. Her piece “History: The Customer Reviews” made it into the October 17 issue of […]
Final decision handed down in latest Robertson class action suit
For better or worse, the ongoing series of “Robertson v. _____” cases continues. On May 2, a final decision was handed down in the case of “Robertson v. Proquest, Cedrom, Toronto Star Newspapers, Rogers and Canwest.” (This decision comes after a tentative settlement reached this January.) Heather Robertson and Kirk Baert of the firm Koskie […]
CMG freelancers score access to health/dental benefits
Members of the freelance branch of the Canadian Media Guild can now enroll in group medical and dental benefits through the Writers Coalition.
German freelancers say “Ja” to minimum pay rates
Freelance journalists may be the lone wolves of the media world, but many are starting to form packs, too. Look at Germany: freelancers there are biting back against “all rights” contracts and establishing fair pay models.
US reality TV freelancers joining union
Freelance writers and producers, some of whom have worked for the same production company for years without benefits and paid overtime, have begun joining the Writers’ Guild of America, East. An article posted at truthout.org describes why 150 freelancers who work for two different New York City production companies – Atlas Media and ITV Studios – […]
New alliance to fight for rights for freelancers
The alliance between the Canadian Media Guild and the Canadian Writers Group was officially launched today. It’s a first-ever alliance between an agency that represents independent journalists and a union and will advocate for freelancers on issues such as rates, copyright and digital and re-use rights. “I’m proud to be a partner in this alliance,” says […]
