As we prepare for and conduct our negotiations, we will use this space to give you the latest, freshest information on what is happening both at the table and in our mobilizing efforts. But the most important participant in negotiations is you. An active, vocal membership is what’s needed to get the best contract we can. Please let us know what ideas you’d like to share. Thanks.
March 1, 2009 at 12:06 am |
Sisters and brothers: As a former voting member of the Albany Newspaper Guild; as a former active member and committee leader in the Buffalo Guild; and as a nonvoting member-at-large of the Newspaper Guild, I hope that all of the Albany Guild members will stand by President O’Brien and the other local officers. I sincerely believe they are doing their best to demonstrate strength and resolve under incredibly difficult circumstances. Now more than ever is the time for solidarity.
Yes, it is very frightening to contemplate losing your job – been there, done that. And we are a Times Union household, so my concerns are very real. No one is safe right now. But I hope that everyone will maintain faith in their union and in the knowledge that the Guild leaders are working overtime to stave off the worst possible scenarios.
I am a member of United University Professions, the faculty union at UAlbany, and all of us are expecting layoffs there. The best support I can offer, in addition to my sincere sympathy to all of you in this unbelievably stressful time, is this: Stand united behind your union. Don’t let yourselves be divided. There is strength in solidarity. – Darryl McGrath