Unifor ‘raising alarm’ over Glacier Media decision to only shutter unionized Metro Vancouver news outlets

Unifor is challenging Glacier Media’s recent decision to close three unionized media outlets, pointing out that its non-unionized shops in the region remain open.

On March 4, the union published a press release stating it is “deeply concerned” about a Metro Vancouver news desert forming following the company’s announcement that the Tri-City News, Burnaby Now, and New Westminster Record will be shuttered.

“In these troubling economic and political times, we cannot let democracy dry up as more news deserts surface in Canada,” said Unifor National president Lana Payne. “News coverage begins at the local level and closures eliminate community coverage at a time when we need journalists to tell stories that connect us and hold the powerful to account.”

Glacier Media announced on Feb. 21 they would close the Burnaby Now and New Westminster Record no later than April 21, while the Tri-City News would close by May 21.

Just 18 months ago, all three media shops ceased publishing physical papers, with Glacier Media stating they were transitioning to a digital-only format in August 2023.

Unifor notes that Glacier Media is keeping all its non-union publications open, and continues to publish print editions for the non-union North Shore News and Delta Optimist.

Local 2000 President Brian Gibson told the Dispatch there had been some friction with the company as the union tried to negotiate a new collective agreement after the previous contract expired at the end of 2023.

Employees were informed during a town hall-style meeting in November 2024 that Glacier Media was going to be rebrand in 2025, as well as revise its operations. A party to celebrate the official rebanding to Lodestar Media was held on Feb. 26.

Unionized employees – which include reporters, layout artists, ad builders and sales representatives – were told via email their workplaces were closing just hours before the Glacier released the news publicly. The same email also stated they were no longer invited to the rebranding party.

The closing outlets have been serving the communities of Anmore, Belcarra, Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody since the early 1980s.

Unifor asserts that local coverage will be “decimated” by the decision.

“I am concerned that the residents of these communities will no longer be receiving the local news they need in order to participate in democracy and stay informed on what is happening in their communities,” Gibson said.

The Dispatch reached out to Glacier Media for comment, but has not yet received a response.