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Toronto Star Sep. 16, 2005. 06:18 AM

Will Jean cross CBC picket line?

ANDREW MILLS AND SUSAN DELACOURT
OTTAWA BUREAU
OTTAWA—The threat that a CBC picket line could disrupt the installation of governor general-designate Michaëlle Jean has put both her and the Prime Minister in a dilemma.

Paul Martin made it clear yesterday that he won't cross picket lines, and a close associate of Jean has reportedly told a Montreal newspaper that the former CBC-TV journalist won't either.

The Canadian Media Guild, which represents 5,500 CBC employees locked out on Aug. 15 after contract negotiations broke down, "has no interest in holding up the investiture," communications director Karen Wirsig said yesterday.

But the union hasn't ruled out a picket line on Parliament Hill on Sept. 27, the day set for Jean's installation as Canada's 27th governor general.

"What we would be concerned about is if CBC is trying to broadcast (the ceremony) using replacement workers," Wirsig said.

A CBC spokesman said the broadcaster's managers, who are attempting to keep radio and television stations going during the lockout, haven't decided how they'll cover the installation ceremonies — only that they intend to.

Jean will have to decide whether to cross a picket line formed by colleagues she worked with as recently as July, when she left her job with the public broadcaster to prepare for her new role.

Martin was definitive with reporters yesterday at the United Nations. "I don't cross picket lines," he said.

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posted by deBeauxOs:
Michaëlle Jean will not cross ex-colleagues' picket line on September 27. According to a Montréal daily, the Guild has planned a picket for that date outside the Senate building where the GG investiture ceremony is traditionally held. If thas is the case, Jean has indicated that she will not cross the line. More information here, in French.

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