July 2011 Executive Committee Minutes

Tammy Turnbull reported on grievances for Phil Fairbanks.

The grievance involving ABC vacations, the Guild is hopeful to be able to resolve through bargaining. There are proposals on the table.The arbitration concerning Louise Continelli has been set for Aug. 2.

Discussion regarding a job share agreement involving Greg Connors was tabled until next meeting of the executive committee.Sandy Tan reported on mobilization.

With Geoff Nason’s departure due to his promotion to management as Web editor, some openings were created.

At Frontier Reporter/Guild Web editor, Tan said people expressed interest and that she appointed Aaron Besecker. She lauded his work with mobilization and said he was familiar with Web site; in addition she said he was a strong reporter with good ideas.

Also, Mike Pesarchick takes over as night steward for Nason.

Tan said the Guild is going ahead with purchases of metal lapel pins which the Guild will be asking every guild member to wear every day for the duration of negotiations.

Also being planned is a social event for summer – a happy hour event, or a  Bisons outing after work one day in lieu of a standard guild picnic.The Guild will also be seeking participation for this year’s Labor Day parade.

Several job actions are being planned, both in-house and outside of the building.

Local service representative Marian Needham is putting the finishing touches on a funding request to CWA which will aid in mobilization efforts.

Kim Leiser with the treasurer’s report:

Leiser attended the CWA convention. She relayed that the CWA is using a SIF reimbursement fund to both fund the national and locals; that Bill O’Mara has been elected to CWA’s defense fund oversight committee as a media representative;

A new laptop was purchased for Tammy Turnbull’s office use after the old one broke down. A laptop purchase had been authorized for an additional laptop for use by mobilization during negotiations, but it was decided that the additional laptop wasn’t necessary.New members: Cheryl Hatten, Mark Whyle, Cathy Kapanek, Zach Swartz, Jean Friedman (district manager); Brianna Vujcec (classified), Kevin Bargnes (editorial).

New business:

A medical reimbursement for $400 for hospitalization was approved. Motion/Second/Carried Heaney/Meyer.

Henry Davis provided a bargaining update, relaying that management was looking at the Guild’s health care proposal very favorably; that the two sides are attempting to negotiate an agreement on editorial workers’ returning to part-time work after taking the current buyout offer.

Heaney/Besecker M/S/C to adjourn at 6:26 p.m.

Attendance: President Henry Davis, Vice President/Mobilization Sandy Tan, Secretary Keith McShea, Treasurer Kim Leiser, ABC delegate Carol Jones, editorial/clerks chief steward Susan Kelley, editorial delegates Aaron Besecker, Denise Gee, Jim Heaney and Brian Meyer, inside circulation delegate Tricia Clark.

Excused: Vice President/Grievances Phil Fairbanks.