Los Angeles Times Pressmens 20 Year Club
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Employee Bulletin from David Hiller
Edited post from LAObserved
Subject: Employee Bulletin
(Managers and supervisors: Please share this information with your employees who do not have e-mail. Thank you.)
Employee Bulletin
January 6, 2007
Pressroom employees at the Olympic and Orange County plants of Los Angeles Times voted in favor of representation by the Graphic Communication Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (GCC/IBT) during balloting January 4th and 5th by a vote of 140 to 131.
In response, Publisher David Hiller said, "we are, of course, disappointed in the outcome of the vote. Under any and all circumstances, however, The Times and our employees will make good our commitment to publishing a great newspaper every day, as we have for 125 years."
The Times is one of the most innovative and high quality operators in the industry and the pressroom has long enjoyed wage and benefits at the top of the newspaper business.
The Union's narrow victory followed five previous unsuccessful organizing attempts over the last two decades. In 1963 The Times pressroom employees voted the Union in but voted it out the following year. In 1967 the Union was once again voted in but was voted out in 1970 immediately following expiration of the Union's labor contract with The Times.
Source: LAObserved
Subject: Employee Bulletin
(Managers and supervisors: Please share this information with your employees who do not have e-mail. Thank you.)
Employee Bulletin
January 6, 2007
Pressroom employees at the Olympic and Orange County plants of Los Angeles Times voted in favor of representation by the Graphic Communication Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (GCC/IBT) during balloting January 4th and 5th by a vote of 140 to 131.
In response, Publisher David Hiller said, "we are, of course, disappointed in the outcome of the vote. Under any and all circumstances, however, The Times and our employees will make good our commitment to publishing a great newspaper every day, as we have for 125 years."
The Times is one of the most innovative and high quality operators in the industry and the pressroom has long enjoyed wage and benefits at the top of the newspaper business.
The Union's narrow victory followed five previous unsuccessful organizing attempts over the last two decades. In 1963 The Times pressroom employees voted the Union in but voted it out the following year. In 1967 the Union was once again voted in but was voted out in 1970 immediately following expiration of the Union's labor contract with The Times.
Source: LAObserved
Labels: David Hiller, LAObserved, Union, union free
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:21 AM 0 Comments
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Monday, January 08, 2007
Victory Celebration
Ronnie Pineda has invited everyone to the victory celebration this Sunday January 14th, 2007 at 3:00PM at Camacho's Cantina and Grill. 13101 Crossroads Parkway, South Industry, CA. 1.562.695.5777
The restaurant is located near the 605 and 60 Freeways.
The restaurant is located near the 605 and 60 Freeways.
Labels: Christmas Party, Ron Pineda, Union, Victory
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 2:56 PM 11 Comments
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Sunday, January 07, 2007
Union Victory at the Los Angeles Times
Wow, this election was watched from around the country by many with 761 page views yesterday to the blog. I tuned out for a day to allow the results to sink in, pondering what will come next?
Yesterday prior to entering the NLRB Jesse, Jacob, and myself stopped for breakfast across the street at the Pantry, then headed to the 9th floor of the NLRB offices.
Thought the room would be an overflow crowd, but there were only twenty-eight people at the count, with a few seats remaining empty. The room resembled a courtroom, just much smaller.
Before the ballots boxes were opened, both parties examined the boxes to insure to their satisfaction nothing was tampered with. The ballots, once removed from the boxes, were co-mingled into several piles. And the counting began.
Everyone in attendance had paper and pens in hand, to keep track of the votes. The vote went back and forth many times, with yes votes leading at first, and no votes overtaking the yes votes near the end. At one point the no votes had a lead of twelve, but the yes votes overtook and eventually won with the last thirty ballots counted.
Once the counting was completed, many in the room headed to the hallway to send text messages or make phone calls. Times management departed rather quickly from the building, not saying much.
The pro union members handled themselves as gentlemen and did not jump for joy or scream out that they had just pulled off something we could not many years earlier.
Before departing we spoke with the winners downstairs, and Jacob interviewed those remaining for his video blog.
Yesterday prior to entering the NLRB Jesse, Jacob, and myself stopped for breakfast across the street at the Pantry, then headed to the 9th floor of the NLRB offices.
Thought the room would be an overflow crowd, but there were only twenty-eight people at the count, with a few seats remaining empty. The room resembled a courtroom, just much smaller.
Before the ballots boxes were opened, both parties examined the boxes to insure to their satisfaction nothing was tampered with. The ballots, once removed from the boxes, were co-mingled into several piles. And the counting began.
Everyone in attendance had paper and pens in hand, to keep track of the votes. The vote went back and forth many times, with yes votes leading at first, and no votes overtaking the yes votes near the end. At one point the no votes had a lead of twelve, but the yes votes overtook and eventually won with the last thirty ballots counted.
Once the counting was completed, many in the room headed to the hallway to send text messages or make phone calls. Times management departed rather quickly from the building, not saying much.
The pro union members handled themselves as gentlemen and did not jump for joy or scream out that they had just pulled off something we could not many years earlier.
Before departing we spoke with the winners downstairs, and Jacob interviewed those remaining for his video blog.
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:31 PM 1 Comments
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Saturday, January 06, 2007
The Time has come
Three hours from now the counting will begin, and as I said before going to bed, many will arrive without much sleep, holds true. Scanning the times of many emails that have been sent through the morning, some appear to have stayed up all night.
Results of election sources.
1.213.237.5565 or toll free 1.800.LA.TIMES X75565
LAObserved
Save Our Trade
Union Free
Results of election sources.
1.213.237.5565 or toll free 1.800.LA.TIMES X75565
LAObserved
Save Our Trade
Union Free
Labels: Union, union free
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 7:01 AM 0 Comments
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Union Election Prediction
The election is now over with anticipation over the outcome running very high for everyone concerned. Many employees have asked how the election is going, for the union, or against the union, no one really knows for sure till all the ballots are counted this morning.
I polled twenty percent of my co-workers, with some having no comment, and others telling me loud enough for others to hear, how they voted. I respect everyone’s privacy, and will never reveal how any of my co-workers have voted, or why they sided with the union or against the union.
Not wanting to sway anyone’s vote today I waited till the polls had closed before predicting the outcome of this important election. And this is nothing more than my prediction; the true count will be displayed eleven hours from now.
We will see many with red eyes, from the lack of sleep, in attendance tomorrow because of the importance of this election.
Yes votes = 41%
No votes = 59%
I could be completely wrong and shocked by the results, but doubt it.
Peace
I polled twenty percent of my co-workers, with some having no comment, and others telling me loud enough for others to hear, how they voted. I respect everyone’s privacy, and will never reveal how any of my co-workers have voted, or why they sided with the union or against the union.
Not wanting to sway anyone’s vote today I waited till the polls had closed before predicting the outcome of this important election. And this is nothing more than my prediction; the true count will be displayed eleven hours from now.
We will see many with red eyes, from the lack of sleep, in attendance tomorrow because of the importance of this election.
Yes votes = 41%
No votes = 59%
I could be completely wrong and shocked by the results, but doubt it.
Peace
Labels: GCC, IBT, Los Angeles Times, Union, union free
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 12:38 AM 3 Comments
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Friday, January 05, 2007
Prediction of Outcome
The last round of voting begins at 8:30 tonight at the Olympic and Orange County Facilities, with the polls closing at 11:00pm tonight. Sometime after that I will give you my prediction of how the election may play out.
Naturally, one side will be unhappy, and the other side elated.
Let's hope after the actual results are in tomorrow, no one smears their victory in the other parties face, as has been observed in the past.
I have been notified that the counting of the ballots will take over an hour, not thirty minutes, as I stated a few days ago.
Naturally, one side will be unhappy, and the other side elated.
Let's hope after the actual results are in tomorrow, no one smears their victory in the other parties face, as has been observed in the past.
I have been notified that the counting of the ballots will take over an hour, not thirty minutes, as I stated a few days ago.
Labels: GCC, IBT, Los Angeles Times, Union, union free
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 5:36 PM 1 Comments
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Thursday, January 04, 2007
Los Angeles Times Union Survey
I have been involved with two union campaigns at the Los Angeles Times in the past, and I cannot remember the company spending so much money to defeat the union, as they have in this campaign. The same holds true with the union, they are going all out in an effort to represent the workers at the Olympic Facility in Los Angeles, and the Orange County Facility in Costa Mesa.
I thought it would be interesting to take a sampling from my co-workers at the Los Angeles Plant, for a feel of how the election is going, here are my results.
16 people told me they voted yes
14 people told me they voted no
I’m unsure of how the Costa Mesa plant is voting, but will keep you updated with as much information as possible.
I have been involved with two union campaigns at the Los Angeles Times in the past, and I cannot remember the company spending so much money to defeat the union, as they have in this campaign. The same holds true with the union, they are going all out in an effort to represent the workers at the Olympic Facility in Los Angeles, and the Orange County Facility in Costa Mesa.I thought it would be interesting to take a sampling from my co-workers at the Los Angeles Plant, for a feel of how the election is going, here are my results.
16 people told me they voted yes
14 people told me they voted no
I’m unsure of how the Costa Mesa plant is voting, but will keep you updated with as much information as possible.
Labels: Los Angeles Times, Union, union free
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:28 PM 0 Comments
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Los Angeles Times Union Election
As I neared the entrance to the Olympic Facility this afternoon Marty Keegan was outside the gates reminding everyone how to vote.
And this pickup had signs on the front and back windows showing their support for the union.
Labels: Election, GCC, IBT, Marty Keegan, Union
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:17 PM 0 Comments
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Election Going Well
The election here at the Los Angeles Times is going well, and I'm not saying it's going well for the Times or the Union, it's simply going smoothly.
On a brighter point, all of our supervisors, and managers are out of sight, and this is a good thing for all the men and women on the pressroom floor. Isn't it amazing we can produce a newspaper without supervision getting in our way. Most of us are professionals in the pressroom, and need no guidance what so ever.
I was warned before arriving at work to keep my camera away from the polling place, some fear this could break the law's regarding voting in the workplace.
On a brighter point, all of our supervisors, and managers are out of sight, and this is a good thing for all the men and women on the pressroom floor. Isn't it amazing we can produce a newspaper without supervision getting in our way. Most of us are professionals in the pressroom, and need no guidance what so ever.
I was warned before arriving at work to keep my camera away from the polling place, some fear this could break the law's regarding voting in the workplace.
Labels: Union, union free
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 5:26 PM 1 Comments
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Wednesday, January 03, 2007
How Our Pressroom Appears Part One
With the union election to start tomorrow at the Olympic Plant, our pressroom has been transformed with posters, banners, and other handy information on why we do not need a union at the Los Angeles Times. I have taken many photographs to give you a feel of what the pressroom looks like. All pressroom supervisors and management are wearing shirts that urge the employees to vote no. I was offered a shirt, under the condition I wear the shirt tomorrow, I declined to do so.
Labels: Los Angeles Times, Union, Vote
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:21 PM 6 Comments
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Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Graphic Communications Conference Vs. Los Angeles Times Debate
George Tedeschi, President, Graphic Communications Conference, has invited David Hiller, Publisher, Los Angeles Times, to a debate tomorrow at 11:00am at the Holiday Inn. Not sure if Mr. Hiller will be there, but just incase, I will be on hand with my camera.
Location: 1020 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles
Map: Holiday Inn
Location: 1020 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles
Map: Holiday Inn
Labels: David Hiller, Debate, George Tedeschi, Los Angeles Times, Union, union free
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 2:52 PM 6 Comments
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Sunday, December 31, 2006
Marty Keegan on Union Movement Part 1
This will be my last post for 2006 and I hope all of you have a safe holiday. I have interviewed Marty Keegan to give some equal time to the union drive at the Los Angeles Times. If you have an opposing view, feel free to contact me and we can get together tomorrow or Tuesday and film your point of view. This was my first attempt at Video Blogging, so it's a bit flawed.
Labels: GCC, IBT, Marty Keegan, Union, Video Blogger
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:58 PM 2 Comments
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Marty Keegan on Pensions Part 2
The sound does not match the video.
Labels: GCC, IBT, Marty Keegan, Organizer, Union
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:44 PM 2 Comments
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Friday, December 29, 2006
Your Vote Counts Next Week
Next Thursday and Friday the Pressroom employees of the Los Angeles Times will decide one way or the other if they would like to be represented by the Graphic Communications Conference/ International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union.
No matter how you decide to vote, it is important that you cast your vote at either the Olympic Plant or the Orange County Plant at the times listed below.
Olympic Roller Room:
9:00AM – 11:00AM
2:00PM – 4:00PM
8:30PM – 10:30PM
Orange County Roller Room:
6:00AM – 7:30AM
1:00PM – 3:00PM
8:30PM – 11:00PM
Every attempt has been made to allow both sides to give the employees of the newspaper their opinions, and your opinions are always welcome here.
When the stress of the upcoming election is behind us, all Tribune Company employees will still be wondering what will become of the company and their jobs next year?
.
Union Site Save Our Trade
Company Site Union Free
No matter how you decide to vote, it is important that you cast your vote at either the Olympic Plant or the Orange County Plant at the times listed below.
Olympic Roller Room:
9:00AM – 11:00AM
2:00PM – 4:00PM
8:30PM – 10:30PM
Orange County Roller Room:
6:00AM – 7:30AM
1:00PM – 3:00PM
8:30PM – 11:00PM
Every attempt has been made to allow both sides to give the employees of the newspaper their opinions, and your opinions are always welcome here.
When the stress of the upcoming election is behind us, all Tribune Company employees will still be wondering what will become of the company and their jobs next year?
.
Union Site Save Our Trade
Company Site Union Free
Labels: Los Angeles Times, Teamsters, Tribune, Union, union free
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:21 AM 1 Comments
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Message from James Hoffa to Pressroom Employees
JAMES P. HOFFA
General President
25 Louisiana Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Dear Los Angeles Times Pressroom Employee:
You know that the Tribune Company is in trouble and looking for a buyer. Here at the Times that turmoil resulted in the firing of the paper's publisher and editor. They refused to follow orders from Chicago when told to lay off more staff. The new Tribune replacements are here to carry out any orders dictated to them. These circumstances clearly demonstrate why you need a strong voice to protect your jobs and future - presently you have none.
This union campaign is not about hurting the Times. We do not want to do that. In fact, we want the paper to be successful and prosper. However, we do believe that employees - whose outstanding performance makes the company profitable - should have a voice in decisions affecting their welfare and the workplace. No one knows the pressroom better then you. No one but you knows what is best for your family.
Without union representation, you have no legal rights or voice in these matters. All decisions are made by a plant manager or a Tribune executive in Chicago. Sometimes the company acts responsibly. Often, it does not. In either case you are denied any real input that union representation provides. It's that simple.
As newspaper craft persons, you exercise intelligence and initiative on the job every day. Union membership affords the opportunity to do the same in matters essential to your livelihood. Other than that, the boss solely makes all the decisions. In order to keep their power, they want you to vote no. assuring their absolute control.
In these uncertain times, with Tribune trying to sell all or part of its news operation, it is important that you take steps to protect your interests. Whether or not Tribune remains intact, you should make union representation — certified by the National Labor Relations Board - a top priority so that you have legal remedies if the company seeks to make significant changes.
Tribune already has stated that more cuts are needed to boost profits for shareholders. If the company is sold, new owners will likely do the same. Do not allow yourself to he put at a disadvantage by executives who care primarily about the bottom line - and their own paychecks.
Times management is trying to intimidate you by claiming unionization would lead to a strike. They cite strikes that happened_decades ago but do not mention the GCC/IBT's record of settling disputes without resorting to such action. Recently, at Newsday, the company feared there might be a strike. We never threatened such action and none took place. We settled that contract - receiving $13 million in union signing bonuses.
For any of you who are still undecided about union membership, we want you to know that we are sincere in our pledge to create a strong independent local union that represents Times workers. The 1.4 million members of the Teamsters will assist you in obtaining a fair and equitable pressroom contract. As you know. the drivers who distribute the Los Angeles Times are Teamster members. They are eager to welcome you into IBT ranks and enthusiastically support your efforts to organize.
We are with you all the way. Stay strong and united in order to protect your jobs and families. Vote YES and become part of the Teamster family and benefit by the strength and solidarity of Teamster power.
JAMES P. HOFFA, General President, IBT President. GCC/IBT
GEORGE TEDESCHI, President, Graphic Communications Conference
1900 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 • phone (202) 462-1400 fax (202) 721-0600
INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS
JAMES P. HOFFA
General President
25 Louisiana Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Dear Los Angeles Times Pressroom Employee:
You know that the Tribune Company is in trouble and looking for a buyer. Here at the Times that turmoil resulted in the firing of the paper's publisher and editor. They refused to follow orders from Chicago when told to lay off more staff. The new Tribune replacements are here to carry out any orders dictated to them. These circumstances clearly demonstrate why you need a strong voice to protect your jobs and future - presently you have none.
This union campaign is not about hurting the Times. We do not want to do that. In fact, we want the paper to be successful and prosper. However, we do believe that employees - whose outstanding performance makes the company profitable - should have a voice in decisions affecting their welfare and the workplace. No one knows the pressroom better then you. No one but you knows what is best for your family.
Without union representation, you have no legal rights or voice in these matters. All decisions are made by a plant manager or a Tribune executive in Chicago. Sometimes the company acts responsibly. Often, it does not. In either case you are denied any real input that union representation provides. It's that simple.
As newspaper craft persons, you exercise intelligence and initiative on the job every day. Union membership affords the opportunity to do the same in matters essential to your livelihood. Other than that, the boss solely makes all the decisions. In order to keep their power, they want you to vote no. assuring their absolute control.
In these uncertain times, with Tribune trying to sell all or part of its news operation, it is important that you take steps to protect your interests. Whether or not Tribune remains intact, you should make union representation — certified by the National Labor Relations Board - a top priority so that you have legal remedies if the company seeks to make significant changes.
Tribune already has stated that more cuts are needed to boost profits for shareholders. If the company is sold, new owners will likely do the same. Do not allow yourself to he put at a disadvantage by executives who care primarily about the bottom line - and their own paychecks.
Times management is trying to intimidate you by claiming unionization would lead to a strike. They cite strikes that happened_decades ago but do not mention the GCC/IBT's record of settling disputes without resorting to such action. Recently, at Newsday, the company feared there might be a strike. We never threatened such action and none took place. We settled that contract - receiving $13 million in union signing bonuses.
For any of you who are still undecided about union membership, we want you to know that we are sincere in our pledge to create a strong independent local union that represents Times workers. The 1.4 million members of the Teamsters will assist you in obtaining a fair and equitable pressroom contract. As you know. the drivers who distribute the Los Angeles Times are Teamster members. They are eager to welcome you into IBT ranks and enthusiastically support your efforts to organize.
We are with you all the way. Stay strong and united in order to protect your jobs and families. Vote YES and become part of the Teamster family and benefit by the strength and solidarity of Teamster power.
JAMES P. HOFFA, General President, IBT President. GCC/IBT
GEORGE TEDESCHI, President, Graphic Communications Conference
1900 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 • phone (202) 462-1400 fax (202) 721-0600
Labels: GCC, Hoffa, IBT, Los Angeles Times, Pressroom, Union
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:11 AM 6 Comments
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Thursday, December 28, 2006
STRIKES
The following Message is directed to the men and women of the Los Angeles Times Pressrooms from management.
During the past week, the issue of strikes was raised a few times.
1. In his radio interview, the GCC/IBT organizer stated: “…one of their (the Company’s) recent fliers handed to the employees said that they were preparing for a strike”.
Regarding point number two above, while union supporters may well believe that they would not vote to strike today, it is a reality that no one knows what would happen during good faith bargaining. Why would the union give up its strongest bargaining chip? Would that not weaken its position in collective bargaining?
The third point is most interesting and enlightening. Union organizers claim that there is no need to worry about a potential strike if the union is elected. Yet, a prominent supporter is already talking about perceived results of a strike.
The Company certainly hopes there is never a strike. As we have stated time and again, it would bargain in good faith. But as the three points above illustrate, there are no certainties. The Company would have no alternative but to prepare contingency plans to respond to possible labor actions, including a strike, just as we have contingencies to respond to earthquakes and other potential business interruptions.
We urge you to consider this and many, many other facts about unions and collective bargaining as you prepare to vote January 4th and 5th.
Visit www.unionfree.com/latimes
WHY GAMBLE? VOTE NO!
During the past week, the issue of strikes was raised a few times.
1. In his radio interview, the GCC/IBT organizer stated: “…one of their (the Company’s) recent fliers handed to the employees said that they were preparing for a strike”.
2. In one of the employee union campaign meetings, a staunch union supporter claimed that there is no need to worry about a potential strike if the union is elected because union members would vote on it and they don’t want a strike.
3. Earlier in the week, an employee recognized as a union supporter, was heard to say: “a short strike would bring the Company to its knees”.
Regarding the first point above, it is important that everyone understand that strikes and other labor actions are stark realities in a collective bargaining world. If the union is elected to represent pressroom employees on January 4th and 5th, it is certain that the company would have no choice but to take necessary and prudent steps to ensure that the newspaper will publish in the face of potential strikes or any other labor actions.Regarding point number two above, while union supporters may well believe that they would not vote to strike today, it is a reality that no one knows what would happen during good faith bargaining. Why would the union give up its strongest bargaining chip? Would that not weaken its position in collective bargaining?
The third point is most interesting and enlightening. Union organizers claim that there is no need to worry about a potential strike if the union is elected. Yet, a prominent supporter is already talking about perceived results of a strike.
The Company certainly hopes there is never a strike. As we have stated time and again, it would bargain in good faith. But as the three points above illustrate, there are no certainties. The Company would have no alternative but to prepare contingency plans to respond to possible labor actions, including a strike, just as we have contingencies to respond to earthquakes and other potential business interruptions.
We urge you to consider this and many, many other facts about unions and collective bargaining as you prepare to vote January 4th and 5th.
Visit www.unionfree.com/latimes
WHY GAMBLE? VOTE NO!
Labels: Los Angeles Times, Marty Keegan, Radio, Union, union free
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:24 AM 8 Comments
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Thursday, December 21, 2006
L.A. union leaders reach deal with city
By Joe Mathews,
Times Staff Writer
December 21, 2006
The tentative pact with the Engineers and Architects Assn. would provide a 9% raise over the next three years.
Bringing a close to its most contentious labor fight, the city of Los Angeles has reached agreement with leaders of the Engineers and Architects Assn. on a new contract that would provide a 9% raise over the next three years, according to union and city sources.
The deal, which still needs the approval of the EAA's approximately 7,500 members, surprised leaders of other public employee unions and turned upside down the pattern of relations between the city government and its unions.
When unions representing civilian employees signed contracts in 2004, EAA was the lone holdout. Now, as the city goes into its 2007 contract negotiations, EAA is the only union with a deal.
Continue reading KTLA News
Times Staff Writer
December 21, 2006
The tentative pact with the Engineers and Architects Assn. would provide a 9% raise over the next three years.
Bringing a close to its most contentious labor fight, the city of Los Angeles has reached agreement with leaders of the Engineers and Architects Assn. on a new contract that would provide a 9% raise over the next three years, according to union and city sources.
The deal, which still needs the approval of the EAA's approximately 7,500 members, surprised leaders of other public employee unions and turned upside down the pattern of relations between the city government and its unions.
When unions representing civilian employees signed contracts in 2004, EAA was the lone holdout. Now, as the city goes into its 2007 contract negotiations, EAA is the only union with a deal.
Continue reading KTLA News
Labels: KTLA, Los Angeles Times, Tribune, Union
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:08 AM 0 Comments
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Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Marty Keegan on KPFK
Just finished listening to Marty Keegan on KPFK 90.7 FM radio show called Up Rising, I caught the last ten minutes of his interview as I was notified a short time ago of the show. Marty spoke about the Los Angeles Times truck drivers being told their jobs were secure, only to be terminated within a month of being told they would have a job. All LA Times drivers working for Ryder are under contract with the Teamsters.
Union Free, Save Our Trade, and the Graphic Communications Conference web sites were all mentioned.
The GCC IBT website is under construction, nothing there yet, but I linked the site anyway.
I have contacted the radio station regarding linking to the interview, not sure if they are able to run this fuction, but if they do, you will be able to hear it here.
Union Free, Save Our Trade, and the Graphic Communications Conference web sites were all mentioned.
The GCC IBT website is under construction, nothing there yet, but I linked the site anyway.
I have contacted the radio station regarding linking to the interview, not sure if they are able to run this fuction, but if they do, you will be able to hear it here.
Labels: GCC, IBT, Save Our Trade, Union, union free
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:55 AM 0 Comments
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pressmen ratify contracts at Philadelphia Inquirer
By Joseph N. DiStefano
The last of the labor unions at The Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News ratified a new labor contract last night, ending months of often tense negotiations.
The Newspaper Guild of Greater Philadelphia, which represents advertising, news, circulation and finance workers, voted 498-69 to approve a contract that called for union concessions on seniority, hiring pay, and the pension plan.
Continue reading here.
The last of the labor unions at The Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News ratified a new labor contract last night, ending months of often tense negotiations.
The Newspaper Guild of Greater Philadelphia, which represents advertising, news, circulation and finance workers, voted 498-69 to approve a contract that called for union concessions on seniority, hiring pay, and the pension plan.
Continue reading here.
Labels: Contract, Pressmen, Printing Press, Union
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 8:46 AM 0 Comments
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Monday, December 18, 2006
Message From Ronnie Pineda
Thanks Ed,
I appreciate your efforts to help. I also want to thank you for providing a forum for everyone to get information and express their views.
Unfortunately there are still individuals who do not use your forum in the manner that it is intended.
Management visits your site on a regular basis and I know that this is a tactic that The Union-Busters utilize to dis-credit the "strong supporters" (as they labled us). Some of the comments attacking me personally are authored by them. I have learned to recognize their tactics and this is an obvious one.
I just want you to know, and everyone else for that matter that this is "NOT" about me. I was asked by numerous former "NO" voters to launch a new campaign. The announcement to cut $200,000,000.00 from the budget earlier this year and the closure of Northridge was the spark that lit the fuse.
None of us that take the roles we have to get an election were anxious to subject ourselves to the scrutiny we face from fellow press room employees.
We have not asked anyone to FOLLOW us, we have only asked that everyone get involved and take responsibilty for their Trade. When we win our election, we will ELECT our leaders. We made a commitment to get an election and that's what we have done. I am amazed that some individuals fail to scutinize The Company and their decisions as they have The Union.
The sacrafices we endure to achieve getting an election are many, but we believe in what we are saying and are willing to make those sacrafices for the benefit of everyone whether you are in favor or against representation.
If someone feels that they have "leadership" skills and are willing to step-up, then by all means...STEP-UP!
Thanks again Ed,
Ronnie Pineda
You have my permission to post this letter if you wish to.
.
.
I appreciate your efforts to help. I also want to thank you for providing a forum for everyone to get information and express their views.
Unfortunately there are still individuals who do not use your forum in the manner that it is intended.
Management visits your site on a regular basis and I know that this is a tactic that The Union-Busters utilize to dis-credit the "strong supporters" (as they labled us). Some of the comments attacking me personally are authored by them. I have learned to recognize their tactics and this is an obvious one.
I just want you to know, and everyone else for that matter that this is "NOT" about me. I was asked by numerous former "NO" voters to launch a new campaign. The announcement to cut $200,000,000.00 from the budget earlier this year and the closure of Northridge was the spark that lit the fuse.
None of us that take the roles we have to get an election were anxious to subject ourselves to the scrutiny we face from fellow press room employees.
We have not asked anyone to FOLLOW us, we have only asked that everyone get involved and take responsibilty for their Trade. When we win our election, we will ELECT our leaders. We made a commitment to get an election and that's what we have done. I am amazed that some individuals fail to scutinize The Company and their decisions as they have The Union.
The sacrafices we endure to achieve getting an election are many, but we believe in what we are saying and are willing to make those sacrafices for the benefit of everyone whether you are in favor or against representation.
If someone feels that they have "leadership" skills and are willing to step-up, then by all means...STEP-UP!
Thanks again Ed,
Ronnie Pineda
You have my permission to post this letter if you wish to.
.
.
Labels: GCC, Los Angeles Times, Ron Pineda, Teamsters, Union
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 9:44 AM 2 Comments
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Friday, December 15, 2006
RUMOR CONTROL
The following message was sent by Los Angeles Times management.
There is a rumor that as many as four pressroom employees were escorted away from a meeting at which the Company was discussing the Union in a manner intended to embarrass them. None of this is true. Here are the facts.
Yesterday two employees at the Olympic plant and two employees working in Orange County were told they were not invited to the meetings but that they would be paid for their time and that they were free to use the cafeteria or break rooms. The Orange County employees were told well in advance, the Olympic employees just before the meeting.
Each of theses employees is a very strong Union supporter, which is their right. But it is perfectly clear that we are not going to change their minds so they were not invited. The National Labor Relations Board has long held that an employer does not violate the law by excluding openly pro-union employees from attending a meeting at which the employer presents its view on union representation to other employees. Luxury of NY Division of Beaunit Corp., 185 NLRB 100, n. 1 (1970).
The meetings went ahead without incident at the Olympic plant. In Orange County, however, the two employees showed up claiming that it was unlawful to exclude them from the meeting. They were told that it was not unlawful and nothing further occurred. They were not “escorted” from the meeting.
These two Orange County employees knew hours in advance that they were not invited. (In fact, one of them had objected in the past to being required to attend these meetings.) They were the ones who tried to make a scene. The Company did nothing to attempt to embarrass them.
This is a perfect example of an attempt in Orange County to create a phony controversy furthering the kind of us-versus-them environment that the Union wants.
There is a rumor that as many as four pressroom employees were escorted away from a meeting at which the Company was discussing the Union in a manner intended to embarrass them. None of this is true. Here are the facts.
Yesterday two employees at the Olympic plant and two employees working in Orange County were told they were not invited to the meetings but that they would be paid for their time and that they were free to use the cafeteria or break rooms. The Orange County employees were told well in advance, the Olympic employees just before the meeting.
Each of theses employees is a very strong Union supporter, which is their right. But it is perfectly clear that we are not going to change their minds so they were not invited. The National Labor Relations Board has long held that an employer does not violate the law by excluding openly pro-union employees from attending a meeting at which the employer presents its view on union representation to other employees. Luxury of NY Division of Beaunit Corp., 185 NLRB 100, n. 1 (1970).
The meetings went ahead without incident at the Olympic plant. In Orange County, however, the two employees showed up claiming that it was unlawful to exclude them from the meeting. They were told that it was not unlawful and nothing further occurred. They were not “escorted” from the meeting.
These two Orange County employees knew hours in advance that they were not invited. (In fact, one of them had objected in the past to being required to attend these meetings.) They were the ones who tried to make a scene. The Company did nothing to attempt to embarrass them.
This is a perfect example of an attempt in Orange County to create a phony controversy furthering the kind of us-versus-them environment that the Union wants.
Labels: Los Angeles Times, Rumors, Union
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 10:16 AM 17 Comments
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Tuesday, December 12, 2006
First Post in Two Months
After a two month vacation Save Our Trade has posted some information for the blog community, glad to see some movement over there.
Labels: Los Angeles Times, Save Our Trade, Union
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 2:49 PM 0 Comments
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Saturday, December 09, 2006
No Friend of Labor
As I scanned the Los Angeles Times blog (Opinion LA) a short headline regarding the National Labor Relations Board, and the fact that they do not really help working men and women, like myself, caught my attention. Incase your new here, the two Los Angeles Times Pressrooms are currently being organized by GCC-Teamsters, with the vote to be held in January, 2007.
Here's a few exerpts from today's article.
Thanks in part to the National Labor Relations Board, most American workers haven't seen their share of the booming economy
WHILE President Bush points to low unemployment and a resurgent stock market as signs of a strong economy, most Americans don't feel so bullish. Median incomes are flat, healthcare costs are soaring, pensions are being de-funded and corporate employers are threatening to shred the social contract with their employees that has prevailed for 60 years.
[snip]
But what happened in San Diego is nothing compared to what happened to workers in Jacksonville, Texas, just the day before. Back in 2000, the employees of a small meat-cutting department at a Jacksonville Wal-Mart voted to unionize. A week later, Wal-Mart announced that it was phasing out in-store meat-cutting departments nationwide. It took six years for the NLRB to conclude that Wal-Mart had unlawfully retaliated against workers trying to unionize. Even then, the board disregarded the ruling of its own administrative law judge and decided that, even though Wal-Mart violated the law, it can't be ordered to restore the unionized meat department.
[snip]
A nationwide study by the University of Illinois at Chicago found that:
• 30% of employers fire pro-union workers.
• 49% threaten to close a work site when workers try to unionize.
• 82% hire consultants to fight union-organizing drives.
• 91% force employees to attend anti-union meetings with supervisors.
[snip]
Congress could begin rectifying the situation by passing the Employee Free Choice Act, which already has 215 co-sponsors in the House and 43 in the Senate, perhaps more once Democrats take control of Congress in January. The act would make it less difficult to form a union and authorize stronger penalties for retaliation against workers seeking to unionize.
Read Complete Story
Here's a few exerpts from today's article.
Thanks in part to the National Labor Relations Board, most American workers haven't seen their share of the booming economy
WHILE President Bush points to low unemployment and a resurgent stock market as signs of a strong economy, most Americans don't feel so bullish. Median incomes are flat, healthcare costs are soaring, pensions are being de-funded and corporate employers are threatening to shred the social contract with their employees that has prevailed for 60 years.
[snip]
But what happened in San Diego is nothing compared to what happened to workers in Jacksonville, Texas, just the day before. Back in 2000, the employees of a small meat-cutting department at a Jacksonville Wal-Mart voted to unionize. A week later, Wal-Mart announced that it was phasing out in-store meat-cutting departments nationwide. It took six years for the NLRB to conclude that Wal-Mart had unlawfully retaliated against workers trying to unionize. Even then, the board disregarded the ruling of its own administrative law judge and decided that, even though Wal-Mart violated the law, it can't be ordered to restore the unionized meat department.
[snip]
A nationwide study by the University of Illinois at Chicago found that:
• 30% of employers fire pro-union workers.
• 49% threaten to close a work site when workers try to unionize.
• 82% hire consultants to fight union-organizing drives.
• 91% force employees to attend anti-union meetings with supervisors.
[snip]
Congress could begin rectifying the situation by passing the Employee Free Choice Act, which already has 215 co-sponsors in the House and 43 in the Senate, perhaps more once Democrats take control of Congress in January. The act would make it less difficult to form a union and authorize stronger penalties for retaliation against workers seeking to unionize.
Read Complete Story
Labels: GCC, LA Times, NLRB, Teamsters, Union
posted by Ed Padgett |
¶ 5:47 PM 0 Comments
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