September 2011 Executive Committee Minutes

Sept. 14, 2011 – President Henry Davis called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m, Sept. 14, 2011, at One News Plaza, second-floor meeting room.

Motion/Second/Carried Kelley/Leiser to approve the minutes of the August executive meeting.

Sandy Tan reported on mobilization.

The Labor Day parade had a great turnout, which included not only current members but retirees, spouses, children and several canines.

Tan discussed the possibility of a retiree chapter of The Guild, which would have its own president and executive board, its own bylaws, perhaps a $25 lifetime membership fee. With so many people having taken buyouts, it would be a great benefit to the Guild, having interested people with time and energy on their hands still actively linked to the Guild. If enough retirees are interested, bylaws can be crafted w/model language and a charter could be set up within two weeks.

Tan is looking forward to the mext mobilization action. A happy hour possibility was mentioned as a gathering. She reminded members to keep wearing their snazzy and stylish Guild pins.

Phil Fairbanks reported on grievances.

Fairbanks said that the job share agreement between Greg Connors and Scott Johnston, which is virtually identical to the one involving Gene Warner and Maki Becker, has been signed.

M/S/C Fairbanks/Davis to approve the settlement of the grievance involving The News’ use of stringers for local news coverage.

Management asked if a college student who was seeking his final credits to graduate could earn those credits through what would amount to an unpaid sports clerk internship.

The board dismissed the notion of having someone do unpaid work and suggested The News hire the student at the intern rate or the temporary news aide rate stated in the contract.

A brief discussion followed on Jim Heaney’s proposal to The News, made in past meetings with management, to expand The News’ intern program to the winter, making it year-round and formalizing relationships with local colleges. Based on the discussion, The News was not interested.

Kim Leiser reported on finances.

The Guild’s fiscal year is Oct. 1-Sept. 30 and Leiser has begun work on the budget for the 2012 fiscal year. The Guild is in good financial shape despite the losses via buyouts. She distributed a draft of the budget; she will be presenting a budget to the finance committee in October.

M/S/C Besecker/Kelley to approve hospital reimbursements, $400 on the $500 deductible.

Tammy Turnbull reported on the upcoming Great Lakes District Council meeting on Nov. 5-6 in Erie, Pa. It is a very good meeting, and with its ideal location and reasonable hotel rates ($99), she suggested the Guild send representatives. The committee agreed and interested members were encouraged to contact Turnbull if they were interested in attending.

Henry Davis reported on various items including barganing.

Davis asked David Robinson to chair the finance committee and he agreed. He also said that the executive committee would have to fill editorial openings left by Jim Heaney, Brian Meyer and Dan Herbeck.

He asked editorial members to stay after meeting to discuss the topic of reporters taking photos.

Davis discussed the bargaining team’s negotiations with The News.

M/S/C Leiser/Davis to authorize Tricia Clark to seek dates from the Pearl Street Grill for dates for the holiday party.

M/S/C Davis/Fairbanks to adjourn at 7:09 p.m.

Attendance: President Henry Davis, Vice President/Mobilization Sandy Tan, Vice President/Grievances Phil Fairbanks, Treasurer Kim Leiser, Secretary Keith McShea, office manager Tammy Turnbull, ABC delegate Felice McMillion, classified delegate Beverly Gniewecki, inside circulation delegate Tricia Clark, editorial delegate/clerks chief steward Susan Kelley, editorial delegate Aaron Besecker, editorial delegate Denise Gee, editorial delegate Mike Pesarchick.

Excused: district manager chief steward Dick Fay.