President Henry Davis called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m, Nov. 13, 2012 at The News’ second-floor meeting room, One News Plaza.
Treasurer Kim Leiser presented the 2013 budget.
Expenditures were up, largely due to lost time. Income was down due to buyouts and the resulting decrease in dues as many full-time positions became full-time positions.
The Guild remains very healthy financially in its general and defense funds.
Leiser explained that lost time bills could be paid out of the defense funds, and that consultation with Marian Needham and the National Guild secretary confirmed that this is an accepted and encouraged way to use the defense fund.
Motion/Second/Carried Leiser/Davis That the lost time incurred during negotiations will be paid out of the defense fund rather than the general fund; in the event this policy necessitates the surrender of shares of BH stock, it will be revisited.
M/S/C Leiser/ Davis to approve the budget of $179,000 and expenses, which was approved by the finance committee, with the change of lost time to $4,000 and mobilization to $10,000.
After discussion with the finance committee, Leiser said, there will be full quarterly reports from treasurer, including revenues / expenses, how we are doing at that point of the year, major expenses. Reports will come in January, April, July and September. .
M/S/C Leiser/Tan to approve two medical reimbursements of $400 each.
Sandy Tan reported on mobilization.
A flyer will be distributed that the Guild will be bringing in Rolling Joe Thursday for a coffee break for members; each member will get a free drink. There will be a Red Cross fundraiser as well. Nightside employees will be able to get a free drink in the cafeteria with a coupon.
The LMC met last week. Tan shared the projections of the company, which will also be shared with the general membership at the local meeting.
Henry Davis reported on Old Business
* The social media policy, which the Guild has been negotiating with The News, has been boiled down from two-plus pages to five paragraphs. There will be more to report following the next meeting, which will be held after Thanksgiving.
Davis reported on New Business
* M/S/C Davis/Tan that the Guild continue its traditional role in the News Neediest campaign by donating $100 to the News Neediest fund.
Correspondence: Doug and Sally Johnston sent a Thank You card for the Guild’s donation to a memorial fund in the name of the late Robert Johnston. They wrote: “Rob would be flattered and honored, as are we — a life-long union family. It is heartening to see that solidarity goes all the way.”
Phil Fairbanks announced that Jay Bonfatti’s birthday will be honored Dec. 7 at 5:30 at the Lagerhaus on Perry.
Tricia Clark announced the Guild holiday party will be Dec. 14.
M/S/C Davis/McShea to adjourn at 6:24 p.m.
Attendance: President Henry Davis, Vice President/Mobilization Sandy Tan, Vice President/Grievances Mark Sommer, Treasurer Kim Leiser, Secretary Keith McShea, office manager Tammy Turnbull, inside circulation delegate Tricia Clark, district manager chief steward Dick Fay, ABC chief steward Felice McMillion, editorial delegates Mike Harrington, Aaron Besecker and Phil Fairbanks, nightside chief steward Mike Pesarchick.
Excused: district manager delegate Bob Snyder, classified chief steward Renee Mikler.
Absent: Past president Pat Gormley, district manager delegate Brian Long, classified delegate Beverly Gniewecki, editorial delegates David Robinson and Denise Jewell Gee, editorial delegate/clerks chief steward Susan Kelley.
Next executive meeting: Wednesday, Dec. 12.
Buffalo Newspaper Guild CWA Local 31026 