TORONTO — Employees of independent podcast network and news organization Canadaland have filed for union certification.
Media union CWA Canada said it filed an application with the Canada Industrial Relations Board after an undisclosed number of workers signed union cards.
Canadaland employs 10 people, two vacancies and three freelancers.
CWA Canada said Canadaland is part of a wave of unionization in the North American digital media industry that includes workers at VICE Canada, Buzzfeed Canada and Canada's National Observer.
Canadaland publisher Jesse Brown welcomed the move by employees.
"I see value for the company in having our employees speak with a united voice and with the help of an organization that knows how to advocate for workers," he wrote in an email.
Brown added that a unionized workplace will be a steadier and healthier place for everyone.
"I also feel good that our staff feels invested enough in the company's future and their places within it that they went to the effort of organizing, which must be stressful."
CWA Canada represents 6,000 media workers at the CBC, The Canadian Press, APTN, and newspapers.
Union president Martin O'Hanlon says unionizing will be good for employees, the company and journalism.
"As things have changed dramatically in the news industry, one thing has become abundantly clear: it is more important than ever that media workers have a say in their work and in their workplace," he said in a news release.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2020.
The Canadian Press
