President Henry Davis called the meeting to order at 12:09 p.m, June 19, 2013 at The News’ second-floor meeting room, One News Plaza.
Motion/Second/Carried Leiser/Harrington to approve the minutes of the May general meeting, April executive meeting and May special executive meeting as published on the Guild web site, buffaloguild.org.
Committee Reports
Mark Sommer reporteed on grievances. There were some incidents during mid-March in which managers did Group B and dispatch work. Two grievances were filed. Those actions have not been repeated. “We would like something in writing.”
A guild member in classified was denied bereavement pay; it was an ex in-law, which was not covered in the contract. The Grievance Committee considered it but came to the conclusion that it was not a winnable case.
Sommer said that perhaps it would be possible to revisit the bereavement language as families have changed over the years.
Treasurer Kim Leiser had nothing new to report.
Sandy Tan was not present for a mobilization report.
Tammy Turnbull did report that there were plans for a Guild picnic aiming for the end of August or early September, one that the Guild would cater itself. Riverfest Park, on Ohio St., was under consideration, as was a time immediately after work.
Larkinville is also being considered. “We’re trying to pull something together at the end of the summer.”
Davis provided an update on the Guild’s retreat projects.
The playing cards project’s conclusion coincides with the end of contract at the end of July.
Davis said that yesterday he met with ABC and had four separate lunches with classified.
Renee Mikler said that overall the reaction was very positive; that there was a good turnout overall as people were interested in negotiations. It was a great opportunity to communicate with each other; a few of the voices heard were not active members. Overall it was considered a success.
Davis said editorial and the district managers were likely next before taking a break for the summer.
Davis updated the committee on negotiations.
Both the Guild and The News exchanged verbal opening positions but have yet to trade actual bargaining proposals.
He said mobilization efforts, mostly of the informational variety, would begin next week. There will by a flyer, an ice cream social and then a table tent display.
“Our union has an obligation to voice members’ concerns and represent them and enlist them in the fight about wages,” said Davis.
Sandy Tan joined the meeting via speakerphone.
She said that stickers and flyers were on the way, and that the next playing card will focus on the ice cream social and it will be distributed Thursday. The Guild will use the same ice cream truck vendor, Mr. Cool, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday.
Tuesday there will be another sticker for bargaining day emphasizing our desire for a raise. Following that, the mobilization committee will meet.
M/S/C Besecker/Leiser to adjourn at 12:34 p.m.
Attendance: President Henry Davis, Vice President/Mobilization Sandy Tan (via phone), Vice President/Grievances Mark Sommer, Treasurer Kim Leiser, Secretary Keith McShea, office manager Tammy Turnbull, ABC chief steward Felice McMillion, classified delegate Beverly Gniewecki, classified chief steward Renee Mikler, district manager chief steward Dick Fay, editorial delegates Aaron Besecker and Mike Harrington.
Excused: editorial delegates Phil Fairbanks and David Robinson.
Absent: Past president Pat Gormley, district manager delegate Brian Long, district manager delegate Bob Snyder, editorial delegate Denise Jewell Gee, editorial delegate/clerks chief steward Susan Kelley and nightside chief steward Mike Pesarchick.
Buffalo Newspaper Guild CWA Local 31026 