Let's do our part and make sure the Sun does its part

"The bargaining over the new performance evaluation system has come and gone. Could the talks have been conducted better? Certainly. Could the system have been improved? Without a doubt. But that is history. The system is here and we must make the best of it. It is in your interest that it works as well as possible.

So, make sure to go to the training sessions that the company has scheduled. You need to learn as much as you can about how you will be evaluated and what your role is to be. If you don't understand something, ask questions. And don't stop after the training is over. Ask your supervisor, ask your Guild steward, ask anyone who might help you. At the Guild, we promise we will do everything we can to find the answers you need and to support you in this process.

Throughout the evaluation process, you need to know that you have rights. Remember, this is not - and cannot be - a disciplinary process. You can ask to have a Guild representative at any evaluation session, though your supervisor does not have to agree to that. And you can ask for follow-up sessions to see how you are doing meeting your goals, though again your supervisor does not have to agree. If you make such requests, keep records. And if you feel that you have been treated unfairly, let the Guild know. You can file a grievance.

But if this process works as it the company says it is supposed to, these evaluations should not be confrontational. They should be an opportunity for you to say how well you have done your job, for your supervisor to note your accomplishments and any improvements you need to make, and for both of you to figure out how to make those improvements. They should give you an opportunity to express ways you want to advance your career at The Sun. And your supervisor should help make that happen.

During bargaining, company negotiator Dale Cohen promised the evaluation system would open channels of communication in the company. He quoted a former Supreme Court justice saying, "Sunshine is the best disinfectant." We agree with that sentiment. If this system works right, it could be a win-win situation, recognizing our hard work and ferreting out bad bosses, resulting in better performance and a better newspaper. So let's do our part to make it work. And, both individually and collectively as a union, let's make sure the company does its part.

- Michael Hill, Sun Unit Chair