Guild executive committee minutes // Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015
President Henry Davis called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m, Nov. 18, 2015 at The News’ second-floor conference room, One News Plaza.
Aaron Besecker presented the grievance report. A caucus was held prior to the executive meeting.
A grievance was filed Sept. 22 regarding a classified department member and issues about commissions. Management responded. The grievance committee recommended the Guild file a grievance.
Motion/Second/Carried Fairbanks/Kelley that a grievance be filed in this case.
Another case in ABC involved work being done by management, that management instructed a Guild member to train management to do Guild work prior to that Guild member leaving The News. The grievance committee recommended that an unfair labor practice be filed.
M/S/C Davis/Sommer to file an unfair labor practice in this matter.
An editorial issue over freelance work was settled.
Old business
Henry Davis discussed the Guild’s holiday party, to be held from 6-11 p.m. at Harborcenter, which will be free for members. No Sabres game is being held that night and members will be able to park in The News lot.
The Guild has sought to ensure parking spots are saved for reporting staff members when News sells spaces in the lot. Reporters have complained that when they return from an assignment, there are no spots in the lot. The News is to remind the workers running the lot that a cone be left in a spot for reporters on assignment.
A regional CWA group led by Deborah Hayes is trying to organize regular meetings of all local presidents to meet quarterly in order to get to know each other, hopefully learn from each other and benefit from the meeting, according to Davis.
Davis attended the group’s second meeting. CWA is facing challenges of reducing its own staff; similar challenge that other entities are facing — fewer people to do the work. There is a possibility of a Veroizon strike next year. Nurses in Buffalo are in a bitter bargaining campaign for new contracts.
New business
Henry called for nominations for vice president of mobilization and communication. Phil Fairbanks nominated Colin Dabkowski.
Davis called for nominations three times.
Davis lauded Dabkowski’s involvement in the Guild. “He brings so much creativity and intelligence to bargaining and we really appreciate his participation.”
Dabkowski’s election will be confirmed at the next general membership meeting.
Davis announced that Denise Jewell Gee will be appointed to the finance committee and that Dan Kirchberger is being appointed to a newsroom steward position.
Davis said there was steward training earlier this year for Dan and others. “It was beneficial for everyone to learn about being a steward, how the Guild runs and major things you need to know.”
Newsroom members requested a Keurig coffee maker and Brian Connolly agreed.
M/S/C Fairbanks/Sommer to buy $30 worth of Keurig canisters.
M/S/C Sommer/Kelly that the Guild donate $100 to the News Neediest Fund.
M/S/C Besecker/Leiser to adjourn at 5:49 p.m.
Attendance: President Henry Davis, Vice President/Mobilization Phil Fairbanks, Vice President/Grievances Aaron Besecker, Treasurer Kim Leiser, Secretary Keith McShea, office manager Tammy Turnbull, ABC chief steward Felice McMillion, classified delegate Beverly Gniewecki, editorial delegates Mark Sommer and Denise Gee, editorial delegate/clerks chief Susan Kelley, Colin Dabkowski, Dan Kirchberger.
Excused: Editorial delegate Mike Harrington.
Absent: Past president Pat Gormley, district manager delegate Bob Snyder, district manager chief steward Dick Fay, editorial delegates David Robinson and Trey Bankhead, nightside chief steward Mike Pesarchick, alternate district manager delegate Brian Long, alternate editorial delegate Sandy Tan.
Buffalo Newspaper Guild CWA Local 31026 