The second Friday in July was a historic day for the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh and our parent unions, The Newspaper Guild and the Communication Workers of America.

That's when the National Labor Relations Board officially certified our new unit -- 67 full-time faculty at Point Park University. The new members are our local's first unit outside the newspaper industry, but more important, they represent the CWA's first unit of full-time college professors. (See the latest edition of The Guild Reporter for more details.)

The Guild won the election big, 49-14, with four challenged ballots. One truly amazing item in the election is that every eligible member voted. That's a testament to the commitment and high level of interest in unionization among the Point Park faculty.

The unit will operate separately within the framework of our local, just as the Post-Gazette and Monessen units do now. The new members will be invited to attend the local's quarterly meetings, and they may have their own unit meetings as well.

The first item of business will be for the new members to have a unit election. That will occur when the new semester begins at the end of August. And finally, after a drawn-out NLRB challenge by the college and a grueling month-long election campaign, we can get down to the nitty-gritty and negotiate a first contract.

Point Park parking lot safety

Many of Local 38061's members have expressed concern over the issue of safety in the Point Park parking lot beside the PG, particularly with the change to an automated pay system that eliminated the night attendant.

Because this is a private lot, the union's role is limited. However, the Guild discussed the issue with the company, and we agreed on two suggestions. First, always try to walk to your car with a buddy. Second, ask one of the PG's security guards to stand behind the building and watch as you walk to the parking lot. The guards are not allowed to leave the PG property, but they can keep you in eyesight to provide some extra comfort and safety.

Plan to attend the Guild's annual picnic on Saturday, Aug. 14, at beautiful and spacious North Highlands in Marshall.

This year, we're looking for one of our members to step up and volunteer to conduct the children's games since Margi Shrum will be out of town and unable to do the job. Contact Mike Bucsko or Ken Fisher if you're able to perform this valuable task.

The festivities begin at 1 p.m., and dinner of burgers, hot dogs, chicken, salads and dessert will be served from 4 to 6 p.m.

Labor Day parade

Come out and get some exercise on Labor Day and march with your Guild brothers and sisters in Pittsburgh's annual parade honoring organized labor.

The Guild contingent is near the front of the parade this year. Plan to meet at our usual gathering place on the east side of Mellon Arena off Centre Avenue no later than 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 6.

The Guild will provide a continental breakfast before the parade, and all marchers can gather afterward for a brunch at the River City Inn.

Annual meeting

The local's annual meeting will be Wednesday, Sept. 8, in the first-floor meeting room of the Steelworkers Building.

The agenda will include an update on the Point Park University unit, a welcome of our new members and the nomination of officers for new terms. Food and beverages will be available wat both sessions, at 12:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Monessen news

The Guild has an arbitration scheduled on Sept. 7 on a grievance filed over the firing earlier this year of an advertising saleswoman The Valley Independent claimed filed false milage reimbursement forms.

The union also filed a request for arbitration in early July over the company's hiring of a part-time photographer to fill a full-time position -- a move strictly prohibited by the contract.

Off the Record

The satiric showcase of Pittsburgh returns when Off the Record IV is performed Thursday, Sept. 23, at the Byham Theater. The show, co-sponsored by the Newspaper Guild and AFTRA, benefits the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and the unions' scholarships.