Toronto Star columnist Joe Fiorito, a former CBCer whose wife still works there, offers some wise insights into the issues behind the lockout.

Some excerpts:

Contract work is still an issue; according to CBC management, "flexibility" is at the heart of the labour disrup ... oh, for pity's sake.

This is not a labour disruption.

This is a lockout.

A lockout is a calculated act of aggression, a blunt instrument, the use of economic sanctions against some 5,500 CBC employees who have been doing their jobs for the past year without an agreement.

The CBC says that, with more workers on contract, it will have the flexibility necessary to survive in the modern broadcast environment.

If that is not a lie, it is a lie's first cousin.

The CBC already has the ability to hire workers on contract for pilot shows, special projects and so on. "Flexibility" is code; the CBC really wants to expand its right to dump any producer, associate producer, researcher or host who is hired on contract without the benefit of an explanation. This just in: The workers aren't the problem. ...

The real test of CBC management?

No new Gzowski, no new Frum. I doubt they'd be hired today if they walked in off the street.

A national corporation whose currency is ideas cannot maintain its position of excellence — excellence is the true "edge" — with the use of disposable workers.

I think senior management is frightened by the intelligence, the creativity and the inexplicable loyalty of the workforce. I think middle management does not know how to manage talent or foster creativity.

I think — no, I know for a fact — that the reputations of producers rise and fall according to the whim of the manager of the moment, without regard for an individual's past performance.

That's bad management.

This lockout is bad management. ...

I talked to a couple of workers on the picket line the other day. Both are on contract and have been for years. One is trilingual, with experience in radio and television. Both excel in their work. Neither is sure of next month's rent. Each preferred I not identify them in any way because they fear retribution when the lockout ends. Both would leave the CBC in a heartbeat for a steady job.

That's life on the "edge."