The Ottawa Citizen is refusing to allow its editorial employees to pull their bylines in a show of solidarity with fellow Guild members who are attempting to bargain new contracts at The Gazette in Montreal.

The newspapers are owned by Canwest Global Communications Corp. Guild contracts at both dailies contain clauses that give staff control over their bylines and credit lines.

The Ottawa Newspaper Guild has filed a grievance over management’s position and has no doubt it will win the case, says president Lois Kirkup.

Language in the contract is unequivocal, she notes. The relevant clause states: “Bylines or credit lines shall be used at the Company’s discretion provided that an employee’s byline or credit line shall not be used over his/her protest.”

The employer, says Kirkup, is arguing that pulling bylines and credit lines would hinder production and be a form of strike, which is “nonsense.”

The ONG, which through CWA Canada engaged in co-ordinated mobilization efforts in late summer and early fall when it and the Montreal Newspaper Guild were engaged in bargaining, continues to support the MNG. Although the ONG ratified new collective agreements late last month, the membership has been doing what it can to help colleagues in Montreal.

Kirkup says the Local’s members wore their black Guild T-shirts to a townhall meeting with the publisher in mid-October as well as to work.

“We’re still trying to do things to support Montreal,” says Kirkup.