President Henry Davis called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m, April 17, 2013 at The News’ second-floor meeting room, One News Plaza.
Davis mentioned that Tricia Clark had left The News, and thus the Guild, and he lauded her service to the committee as an inside circulation delegate, notably her organizing of annual holiday parties.
Committee reports:
* Treasurer Kim Leiser presented the budget on an extensive spreadsheet. The detailed report was lauded by the committee.
Some line items will be changed next year to better represent the Guild’s expenses; part of the budgeting program will be updated in a new Quickbooks-based system.
She mentioned the Guild was looking into other options for a landline office phone, perhaps an internet phone.
Bob Reden is no longer charging the Guild a retainer; that was his decision.
The Guild is talking to Richard Schroeder to see how the Guild can access money intended to be used for medical reimbursements from members.
Mobilization: Sandy Tan had nothing to report.
Grievances: Mark Sommer reported that there were four grievances filed on March 29 in inside circulation. Management did Guild work; management said it wouldn’t happen again; it did happen again.
The Guild will be talking to The News about these grievances.
Old business
Davis provided an update on contract negotiations. The News is awaiting bids from number of health insurance companies. He was hoping “we’ll hear something from the company this week or next.”
There have been no formal meetings as of yet. There will be an update communicated to members “sooner than later” said Davis.
In a follow-up on the retreat projects, Sandy Tan said the playing cards continue to go out. Mark Sommer said he and Adam Zyglis met regarding the comic book. Tammy Turnbull reported for Phil that the sit-downs with departments will start with ABC and classified; in which members will sit down with Guild officers — the Guild will serve lunch, the departments will be asked what they want to eat. Phil is working on flyers about this; Tammy is working with departments about what their meal choices are.
Motion/Second/Carried Sommer/Leiser to spend up to $15 per member for lunch for the ABC/Classified outreach effort.
M/S/C Tan/Gniewecki to donate $100 to a memorial for Kathleen Williams, daughter of longtime Guild member and officer Sina Williams; the memorial will be split between the American Cancer Society and Humane Society.
The Guild is mulling what to do regarding The News’ honoring of Milt Joffe for 50 years of service to The News.
M/S/C Leiser/Sommer to agree that The News’ extension of a temporary employee in classified by six months.
M/S/C Davis/Besecker 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, ABC chief steward Felice McMillion, classified delegate Beverly Gniewecki, editorial delegates Aaron Besecker, Mike Harrington and Denise Jewell Gee.
Excused: classified chief steward Renee Mikler, district manager chief steward Dick Fay, district manager delegate Bob Snyder, editorial delegate Phil Fairbanks.
Absent: Past president Pat Gormley, district manager delegate Brian Long, editorial delegate David Robinson, nightside chief steward Mike Pesarchick. editorial delegate/clerks chief steward Susan Kelley.
Next executive meeting: Tuesday, May 14.
General meeting: Wednesday, May 15.
Buffalo Newspaper Guild CWA Local 31026 