This is good news for the 5,500 guild members who have been locked out since August 15. It's also good news for Canadians across the country who have been missing the CBC.

Now, we'll just have to see if guild members vote for it.

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We are very pleased to report that the Canadian Media Guild and CBC management have reached an agreement in principle that will form the basis for a new, fair collective agreement.

We still have work to do. A committee will be formed to write the remaining contract language to form a tentative agreement for ratification.

The next phase of negotiations is to work out a return to work protocol. We’ll get back to you with more details as quickly as we can. Until further notice, picket lines will remain in effect.

Here are some initial highlights of the deal:
• we have a strong commitment to permanent staff as the standard for employment at the CBC.
• We have improved rights for contract and temporary employees.
• Wages will increase by 12.6 percent over the life of the contract to March 31, 2009. There will be full retroactivity for all employees on the payroll prior to the lockout, including contract and temporary employees. There will also be a $1000 signing bonus.

And for the first time for our members in the Northern Service, there will be an interpreters’ premium of $800.00 per year for those who are required to work in more than one language.

We will be meeting the minister of labour Monday morning and will continue the rest of the work for a tentative agreement.