Providence Newspaper Guild - Guild Leader December 1, 2003

Guild takes to the airwaves
Radio ads tell the story that you won't read in The Journal

Public forum:
Providence City Hall, 6 p.m. Alderman's chambers
Wednesday, Dec. 10

More: Ian Donnis, Providence Phoenix:
The Guild goes on a media offensive

Tune in to any of the Providence area's major commercial radio stations today through Dec. 10, and you're likely to hear one of the Guild's new advertisements, drawing public attention to the Journal's law-breaking in its four-year effort to crush the Guild.

"You know, most newspapers cover wrongdoing in high places. But the Providence Journal is actually involved in its own scandal," begins the ad, which is being broadcast on WHJY-FM, WSNE-FM, WHJJ-AM, and WCTK-FM.

"Journal management has been found guilty of 27 labor law violations. Yet the paper keeps using unlawful tactics. Refusing to bargain for a fair contract. Stalling negotiations. Intimidating employees."

The ads were produced and financed by the Guild's parent union, the Communications Workers of America, and they are the first in a series intended to increase the pressure on the company to negotiate a fair contract.

"These radio ads, along with our rallies, our leafleting of advertisers and other actions, tell the company that Guild members want a decent contract now,'' said Guild President John Hill. "They also tell Rhode Islanders what the Journal won't report -- that the company has engaged in illegal acts in its unsuccessful attempt to crush this union.

"We're grateful to the CWA for their help with this. We're lucky to be part of such a large and powerful organization. Remember, the CWA has more members than Belo has employees."

The ads lead up to a Dec. 10 hearing before the Rhode Island Workers Rights Board of Jobs for Justice. The board, chaired by Providence City Councilman Miguel Luna and including community leaders from academia, business and the clergy, will hear testimony about the Journal's treatment of its workers and render an opinion. The board was formed to respond to incidents in which employers abuse the rights of working people.

The hearing will start at 6 p.m. in Providence City Hall, Aldermen's chamber, third floor.