Stalemate in Canadian newspaper strike

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- The Canadian publisher of the strike-stricken Winnipeg Free Press has lashed out at the union, claiming it is releasing "outright false information."

In a statement published in the online edition put out by non-union editorial staff Sunday night, publisher Bob Cox criticized the tactics of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union as the strike entered its second week.

"While we are a newspaper, we did not feel it appropriate to negotiate through the media," Cox wrote. "We have watched silently as misleading and outright false information has been spread about the Free Press and its proposals by the union representing our staff and carriers."

The major sticking point is wages. Cox said by comparison, the paper's offer since the contract expired Oct. 1 was more than fair.

"An experienced reporter at the Free Press makes a base (salary) of about $70,200 a year, compared with about $45,200 at the Winnipeg Sun," Cox said.

Strike spokeswoman Mary Agnes Welch told the Winnipeg Sun talks are at a stalemate.

"On some level, this is still a war of words and perceptions," she said. "The two sides are on very different wavelengths."