To be or not to be (in a union), that is the question
This series of posts by the Born Freelancer will share personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? Your input is welcome in the comments. “I wouldn’t belong to any club that would have me as a member” — attributed to Groucho Marx I usually feel the […]
Health insurance for freelancers: Know what you need
This series of posts by the Born Freelancer will share personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? Your input is welcome in the comments. Q: Why did the insurance executive cross the road? A: Who cares? Good riddance! I’m not a fan of insurance companies. Could […]
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.
Don’t drop rule against false and misleading news
The CRTC must withdraw the proposed weakening of a regulation that bans false and misleading news from the airwaves and call a public hearing on broadcast news, says the Canadian Media Guild. “The Commission appears to be proposing to give (broadcasters) free rein to lie and mislead the Canadian public in the guise of delivering […]
Media union concerned about journos in Egypt
The following statement has been posted at cmg.ca: We are deeply concerned about stories emerging this week from Egypt about beatings, detention and harassment of journalists, including our own colleagues. The events underscore how dangerous our work can be and yet how vitally important it is in order to let the world know what is […]
And the survey says…
American freelance business writers earn an average of $25-30,000 per year, according to an informal survey completed by 67 members of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers (SABEW). The poll found that freelancers are paid between 75 cents and $1 per word, if they are paid by the word, or an average of $250 per assigment. […]
Freelancers meet at Toronto’s historic Gladstone
The Gladstone Hotel’s Art Room turned out to be an apt spot to launch the new alliance between Canada’s only agency for freelance writers and a major media union. A historic hotel — and an age-old problem. The problem is figuring out how to give collective voice and leverage to people who are, by law […]
Finkle going to bat for independent writers
Toronto writer Derek Finkle’s first feature assignment netted him a cover story in Toronto Life. It all started in 1993 when he became the magazine’s first intern. The story was about a sting operation on a paid hit and it introduced Finkle to key police sources that would prove helpful to his later work. But […]
Toronto launch party for freelance alliance
The launch of the alliance between the Canadian Media Guild and the Canadian Writers Group will be celebrated on Tuesday December 7 at Toronto’s Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St. West, near Dufferin). The event starts at 6 pm. There will be a brief presentation and a chance to ask questions at 6:30 pm. Snacks and drinks will be […]
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 […]
