Covering more departments:

As a result of two National Labor Relations Board cases filed by the Guild, contract coverage is extending to the BrandBuilders department (by NLRB decision) and to the events department (settlement of the Guild’s case).  This will extend contract protection to about 15 additional people.  The Guild expects to negotiate soon over pay groups and other contract terms for the newly-covered employees.  For information, ask Connie Knox in features or Brian Morman in advertising, or see our Web site, www.wbng.org/sun. 

Holiday pay:

We’ve gotten several questions about holiday pay, and we’re not surprised.  The contract is complicated.  The Guild proposed simplification during bargaining; the company wouldn’t change.  Here’s how it works: In most departments, the holiday is the day observed by the federal government – meaning Friday for both Christmas and New Year’s Day.  In those departments, that means holiday premium pay on Friday, but not on Saturday – there’s only one holiday.  In some departments, such as the news copy desk, the holiday is the night before the federal holiday.  If you think you weren’t paid fairly, ask your shop steward or a Guild officer (listed on the Web site).

Stock options:

Another frequent source of questions is stock options.  The options awarded in 1997 can be exercised after Jan. 31.  There were options awarded in 1999, which can be exercised in 2002.  Times Mirror hasn’t sent out certificates yet for those, but they do exist.  We don’t know if there will be a stock option in 2000, but if there is, Guild-covered employees get it, under the terms of the contract, with no further negotiation needed.  If you have any questions about which stock options you have and when and how to exercise them, call First Chicago Trust, the Times Mirror administrator, toll-free at 1-888-790-8113 or email at fctc-tmc@em.fcnbd.com.  The toll free number will ask for your PIN; it’s the last four digits of your Social Security number unless you’ve changed it.

Your right to representation:

You have a right, under federal law, to have a union representative present at any meeting with a manager that could result in discipline.  If you want representation – and we strongly recommend it – you need to ask for it.  Management doesn’t have to "read you your rights."  A union representative can take notes, respond calmly at a time which may be stressful for you, and advise you of your rights under the contract and law.

Meeting of stewards, mobilizers, etc.:

Save the date: stewards, mobilizers, greeters and any other interested members will meet Jan. 29 at 10 am in the Guild office.

Local election:

Balloting in the Washington-Baltimore Newspaper Guild election will be Tuesday, Jan. 11 and Wednesday, Jan. 12.  Both days, the voting will be 11 am to 1 pm in the 5th floor cafeteria and 5 to 6:30 pm in the third floor by the back elevators.  The only contested position is for local secretary.  The incumbent, Mark Pattison of Catholic News Service, is opposed by Maggie Cohen, of the Bureau of National Affairs.  Candidate statements were sent to you by mail.