Providence Newspaper Guild - Guild Leader February 11, 2000

GUILD LEADER

Vol XI, No. 21

TNG/CWA Local 31041

February 11, 2000

Message from the President:
Now It's Time for Patience & Action

By Bob Jagolinzer
President, Local 31041

"What happens now?"

That's probably the most common question I've heard from members, following our overwhelming rejection of the company's offer, and the company's hostile response.

First, let me try to bring members up to date on the situation.

Following the vote Guild administrator Tim Schick notified the federal mediator of the vote. In turn he notified the company which, in response, said it was stopping dues checkoff -- a tactic that's typical of a management bent on busting a union.

Right now, today, is a time for some patience, -- as well as for some action.

Don't expect, given the company's response, that the mediator will seek a quick return to the bargaining table. The Guild is always willing to meet with the company negotiators, but frankly, given the company's illegal conduct through these negotiations, we don't believe the company is prepared to negotiate in good faith.

In the interim the Guild is planning to pursue a series of activities to bring public attention to the situation, and to convince the company to negotiate with us.

Also, the clock keeps ticking, albeit slowly, bringing us closer to the days when various arbitrations and unfair labor practice complaints are heard by arbitrators and the National Labor Relations Board. At some point maybe the company will decide it is cheaper to deal with us, rather than continuing to pour money into the law firm of Edwards and Angell.

In rejecting the contract offer, the members took a big step in letting the company know we will not be mugged.

But no one should think of our fight for a just contract as being about over because of the vote. Given the company's attitude, it's just beginning.

Just stay the course; we'll get there.

Also you can be sure: the Guild will continue to protect its members, as it has done in the past. There will be NO Texas chainsaw massacres here.