Transcontinental writers say ‘Ya Basta!’

More than a dozen Canadian writers’ groups
banded together and issued a boycott
notice against Transcontinental on September 30. “It’s about time that
independent writers got our act together,” writes Deborah Jones in this Town Hall post.
At issue is the Transcontinental
Master Agreement, viewed by many freelancers as a rights grab. The
agreement is part of a long-time wider debate, illustrated in Money, Power and
the Freelance Journalist, an email debate between magazine editor Corinna
vanGerwen and Michael O’Reilly of the Canadian Freelance Union that took place
back in March. Last week’s boycott adds some extra sizzle to the long simmering
arguments. To catch up on the chatter since the boycott was launched, read Transcontinental
Boycott.