Washington Post - Guild News

Oct. 23, 2001

Now More Than Ever--The Guild

Support of the Union through your membership is critical, now more than ever. The unstable economy-less predictable than ever before-may also cause unpredictable demands by The Post at the next round of bargaining, which begins early next year-demands that reduce benefits, pay, job security, or other contract protections. Only the solid backing of a solid, active, and growing membership can assure that the Guild successfully fights back unreasonable company demands.

In recent negotiations, the Guild successfully fought back Post proposals to:

  • Make already meager pay increase proposals available only in lump sums-one shot payments that don't build your salary
  • Unilaterally implement drug and alcohol testing
  • Exclude more workers from the Guild-thereby excluding them from any due process rights regarding discipline and discharge
  • Strip sick leave days away from all employees in exchange for more vacation at 20 years

The Guild has won in recent years:

  • Increases to both base pay and lump sum payments.
  • Increased savings plan match by The Post from 4.5% to 5%.
  • Increased vacation days for employees with 20 years or more of service, without a loss in sick leave days.

The Guild needs your membership and support, just as you need the Guild. What would your work life at The Post be without a union contract? An employment attorney was quoted in the Washington Post (Oct. 22, 2001) regarding the protection of workers who have no union contract:

…in the case of at-will workers, a company "generally has the right to alter its policies and procedures, including severance, at any time. The consideration [for the worker] would be continued employment. And if you don't like [the changed policy], you can leave." (Marc J. Smith, a Rockville lawyer who represents both companies and workers).

If you are a member, sign up a co-worker who is not. If you are not yet a member, join us. Today.

Now More Than Ever-The Guild

 


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