Year End Message to Unifor Local 79M Members at Rogers SportsNet, TSC, and Bell Media-Agincourt, Barrie, BellTV and the National Bureau

As the year draws to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication, resilience, and solidarity. Your commitment to excellence and to each other has made this local stronger and our workplaces better in challenging times.

This year has been another roller-coaster in the Media Industry for both Rogers and BellMedia. Our local has experienced the loss of many strong and committed media workers due to layoffs. At the same time, we have seen growth with the relocation of CP24 and BNN to the Agincourt location.

We’d like to also welcome and congratulate the newest members that have joined 79M from the National Newsroom. Which brings us members from across the country. We will be having an in person meet-and-greet along with a zoom for out of province members. In the new year we will also have the bargaining committee meet the Company and our Unifor National Representative to start the negotiating process.

This local has successfully represented members in multiple mediations and arbitrations from both Rogers and Bell. Most recently, this week we had an outcome that resulted in the hiring of 17 freelance MMCC and 1 DCE. We will continue to represent our members with the most respect and dignity our members deserve.

We don’t want to overlook the outstanding media coverage provided daily by all our units. However, a special shout out is deserved for the tireless efforts of the Rogers SportsNet team, who’s exceptional and edge-of-your-seat coverage of Canada’s Baseball Team, the Toronto Blue Jays, truly stands out. Let’s do it again next year shall we, with a little hardware at the end!

Local 79M is looking forward to our social events in 2026, The Steam Whistle party in May, the Family Picnic in June, Women’s Day event in March and the Children’s Holiday Party in November.

May this holiday season bring you well-deserved rest, joy, and time with loved ones.

Wishing you and your families a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!

In solidarity,

Unifor Local 79M