Building

After an 8 week lockout, CBC's negotiations team and upper management accomplished nothing that they could not have accomplished on August 14th. Regardless of whether you believe in the leadership of Rabinovich, Stursburg, Smith, & co., or not; One thing is undeniable, when the 'troops' loose faith in their 'leaders' it is easier to replace the generals than the entire army. So, it is my opinion that, for the good of the CBC and to improve it's chances going forward that CBC's top brass should go.

That said, while I understand the anger and resentment toward these people, there is something that I do not understand. Since the 'agreement in principle' was reached on October 3rd, anger at so called 'middle management' seems to have increased. I have heard of a few (only a few) instances where specific lower-level managers acted in ways that deserve such anger. For the most part I firmly believe that middle-management was, throughout this, kept in the dark about what was going on. They did not ask for a lockout, they were not consulted, and did not get a vote.

The CBC is in a critical phase, there is alot of damage to repair and I believe that anger and hostility toward front line supervisors and others in middle management is counterproductive. We will need the help of these people to right the ship. I would urge people who really, deeply believe in the CBC and it's mission to focus on the feelings of teamwork and solidarity that we have experienced these last 8 weeks and to try to share that with 'middle-management'. If that spirit becomes the dominant one inside the building the CBC can become stronger than it has ever been and we can, hopefully, avoid repeating the lock out come 2009.

A divided workplace will not improve the CBCs long term chances and the fate of the CBC is tied directly to the fate of the CMG and it's members. By all means, stay involved, urge Parliament to give the CBC stable and increased funding, urge them to insure the Board of Directors has the kind of people on it who can lead the CBC into a brighter future, urge the board to appoint the kind of leadership that can help build and nurture that future. Retain your anger at those responsible, hopefully they will be held accountable, but avoid misdirecting your anger at people who were not responsible.