BNA INSULTS MAJOR CUSTOMER

When Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, walked by BNA management's huddled bargaining committee in the Link Lobby, he was handed a flier of an unflattering Wall Street Journal editorial entitled "Who is Richard Trumka?" Trumka was at BNA to meet the the Guild's bargaining committee, along with Newspaper Guild President Linda Foley. BNA's top management apparently has no qualms about trying to publicly embarrass one of its major customers--the federation represents 68 international unions and 14 million workers. More importantly, the AFL-CIO and its affiliates spend millions of dollars on BNA products every year--approximately $1.8 million on one product alone!

We've always wondered why BNA won't offer its workers wage increases that stay ahead of the cost of living, and insists on diluting--not strengthening--the benefits package. Perhaps they fear a loss of future revenue because of executives alienating our customers. And, as shown today, maybe they have reason to fear.

As he left the meeting, Trumka assured a crowd of over 150 BNA Guild unit members that "the AFL-CIO stands behind you today, tomorrow, and until there is a fair contract."

Trumka also reminded BNA--while management bargaining committe members Kathy Muller, Mary Kelly, and Matthew Carmona watched and listened first from inside the Link Lobby and then from the courtyard--that employees are BNA's "most important assets. Without them, BNA is nothing."

Trumka departed BNA more determined to help the Guild in our efforts to get a fair contract now and to build a better workplace in the future.

No word yet from BNA on how this sharp, new business tactic of insulting key customers will encourage union subscribers to buy more BNA products and increase our revenues.