THANK YOU!

Last year, you were responsible for helping make BNA a very profitable company. As stated in the Minutes of the Management Committee Meeting, dated February 15, 2000, President Paul Wojcik "expressed his appreciation for everyone's efforts" because profits "hit new BNA highs. The consolidated operating profit was up 13.1% to $23.3 million, and earnings per share grew 10.3% to $2.58."

So, why is BNA offering such low wage increases and nearly nothing new in benefits? Are you as bewildered as the Guild's Bargaining Committee? Is there any rhyme or reason as to why BNA feels it has to continually tell us that our pay and benefits are "GENEROUS" when compared to other companies, BNA is falling behind. Is that why BNA has had more than 10% per year turnover in employees in each of the last 3 years?

In 1999, BNA lost a very important age discrimination suit, costing the company over $1 million. BNA's fall from Working Mother Magazine's Top 100 Companies was another setback. Y2K preparation expenses took a lot more of the profits. What's BNA's answer to all of this? There is practically a hiring freeze in the editorial department. Employees leaving are not as readily replaced. This has meant more work for those who have chosen to stay behind.

Employee Dissatisfaction or a Quick Run for the Bucks?

There is a proposal to the stockholders this year that seeks to put BNA up for sale. This may seem tempting for a wide variety of reasons, including BNA's treatment of its employees as well as the seeming ineffectiveness in the way BNA is being run. Morale is low. There seems to be a lack of respect for the employees who are actually responsible for making BNA profitable. How will employee-owners vote on the stockholder proposal? Should we let the vote to sell the company take place without discussion and input as to how it will affect our lives?

How Are We Being Rewarded?

With a disgraceful wage proposal! How are we supposed to pay for the current hike in energy prices as well as the ensuing increases in food, housing and other costs that are yet to come? Is this where it ends? Not necessarily! You have a very important decision to make.

Our Voice is the Union!

Over the last several months, we have been encouraging non-members to join the Guild. Are we interested just in the membership dues? Absolutely Not! The Guild gives us a collective voice to deal with our everyday lives when it comes to compensation, benefits and working conditions here at BNA.

Don't sit back and let others decide your future. Join the Guild now and help us speak with one voice. One out of 2 of us are not yet members. Only a substantial change in this ratio will send BNA the message it needs to hear.

Come and help organize the next rally. The mobilizing committee will meet this Thursday, March 16th in BNA3-4th Conference Room. Lunch will be served.