None of the reasons given in the response for terminating Wong held up to the slightest scrutiny,'' the decision written by board vice-chair Laura Trachuk says. No higher-ups in the company took responsibility for Wong's firing. Instead, they pointed fingers at each other. Go, the Star's new man in charge at Sing Tao, didn't emerge unscathed. The company and its 100 workers are now embroiled in first-contract talks, and on Tuesday the employees staged an information picket outside the Star's Yonge Street office tower.
Wages seems to be the main issue.
The union wants 17 per cent over two years. SONG says the paper is also planning to lay off about 15 per cent of its staff as it becomes more automated. Compared to those competitors, he says, Sing Tao staffers are in a better financial situation. We're competing in the Chinese market, and our advertisers tell us what our market can bear. Sing Tao, Go says, will not appeal.