Winter 2006

Pittsburgh PA

Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006

The morning program consisted of local reports. The afternoon program opened with the International Report and was followed by discussion of Resolution One -- Our CWA Future. TNG Region 3 VP Scott Stephens moderated the session in two parts. The first was an introspective of each local on the topic, "What Locals Could Do Better." Pittsburgh Mobilization. We haven't had an occasion to mobilize around a single issue. Reaching out to new members. We used to have a packet we gave them with a welcome letter. We've slacked off on that. Need to make sure they're part of the fold.

(International)

I think the first place we'd look is to The Guild than to CWA. I think there's a lack of communication at all levels (from international). Different cultures, different industries. We could talk about common issues that we have, like health care. Dayton Communication beyond a core group, often reporter heavy, both about issues in general and things that we've done to help people. Probably half the newsroom doesn't know what we do.

(International)

Better recognition at the college level. When you're talking about recruiting young people, they don't even understand what we do at the most basic level. We [eventually] get them. It might take 10 years for the company to screw them, but we [eventually] get them. Buffalo Not enough members involved. Generally same people doing things. People feel a disconnect with the top leadership. A lot of people feel left out with what's going on. Let the company push us apart with the contract.

Getting more people together for the meetings. Need to do better with the website. Could do better with communicating with other locals at the newspaper. Don't bargain jointly.

People don't get involved until they get screwed by company.

(International)

Detroit

Loss of key people. Need to get others more involved. Have not participated with CWA district office or other CWA locals. I always gave that a lesser priority.

Lot of people pretty staunch about not joining. Not much camaraderie at the paper. Need to try and fill in some of that void with The Guild.

Toledo

Training and time management. We'd love to train more people. Good do a better job on organizing and mobilizing. Need to regroup. Intradepartmental communication. Could do a better job at motivating our members to become involved.

(International)

Expand new officers training to more than two people. At CWA level, more inclusion of non-telcom issues on website. Electronic Fund Transfers for COPE. Northeast Ohio Newsletter not been very consistent. Tough to get copy. Research has been short. Need more help, especially during contract time.

The next part of the program challenged each local to answer the question: "What Do Well?" Pittsburgh Communicating with Each other. Website up; regular newsletter. Stewards system that's effective.

(International)

Resources that CWA has are great. We've used them and we'd like to use more. Dayton We really do help people in times of crisis. The people who come to us go away and feel they've been protected. We avoid unnecessary risk.

(International)

I find the international very good and accessible. I wouldn't have a problem calling anyone at the international for help. Buffalo We do communicate well with members. We do awesome bargaining bulletins, phone tree structure. But because communication is so good, they don't come to the meetings. Members religiously read the newsletter.

Socialization; picnic, hockey game, Christmas Party. Do a good job with mobilizing during contract time. Really good steward training. Detroit Pleased with annual strategy day, pay lost time to stewards and activists. Spend a whole day just brainstorming. International has supported us by bringing in reps to help figure out how we can better our situation.

Approach new hires in a collegial way. Had 100 people on a weekday night for a holiday party. All thought it was a good idea. Finally went to CWA council for Detroit.

Toledo

Manage our treasury well. Able to get our name out locally. We do contract enforcement well. Do monthly grievance meetings, never lacking for stuff to bring up.

(International)

Maintenance of the website.

Northeast Ohio

Bargaining. Some of it is luck and some of it is foresight. Handle grievances well. Do mobilization well in crisis mode. Most units do contact new hires to get people involved.

Relations with other unions. Have presence within labor council. Participate well with CWA.

(International)

Any time we call for help, if we don't get any help, it's because we aren't calling.

After the discussion, we heard comments from our guest, Jim Short, District 13, CWA Vice President, who is the newest vice president on the board. "You have the exact same problems that we have in our district. Some of them think Res 1 is the executive board's way of forcing mergers with locals. Think they're cutting costs for whatever sake. I've not heard one vp mention any of it. All believe locals in place should be following Constitution. Had a printing local merge with telecom local in Delaware. My district is not for merging with anybody unless there's a reason to do it.

Have to make sure we're ready for the future. If it's the right thing to do, then we should do it. Should all operate within our budgets.

Make sure the staff is appropriated the right way. Should proportion staff so that all members are serviced. Need to change the mindset of locals and members; not TNG members, not Telecom members, we're all CWA members and we all need to work together."

Sunday, Jan. 29

Meeting called to order by President Fisher at 10:05 a.m. Minutes from Erie: M/Stephens S/Perry to approve the minutes. Passed.

Treasurer's Report:

Yvonne reported a balance of $3,621.42 and that 2006 per capitas are due.

M/Webb S/Stephens to approve the treasurer's report. Passed.

New Business:

NexGen: President Fisher discussed the upcoming NextGen conference in Toledo, and at the upcoming sector conference. Perhaps redo a new officers seminar training. Christine mentioned that the NextGen meeting in Toledo should have a goal at the end of the meeting instead of just a brainstorming session.

Human Rights Committee: President Fisher discussed the notion of forming a council human rights committee, and that such a committee would present a report at future meetings. President Fisher appointed Dick Peery as the temporary chairman of the human rights committee.

Freedom Award Banquet: Scott Stephens spoke about the Freedom Awards banquet. Syndicated columnist William Rasberry is the speaker, with Bob Edwards as the MC. Seems to be breaking even or even generating a little money. The event is on Wednesday, May 3. President Fisher asked the Pittsburgh, Toledo, Buffalo, Northeast Ohio, and Erie to again agree to purchase a table.

Website for the council: President Fisher discussed posting a website together for the GLDC. President Fisher said the Pittsburgh local will take the lead to get a website developed, while Secretary Vellequette said he would update the page as required when appropriate. The site is to include links to all the locals.

M/Simpson S/Burke to spend up to $250 for a one-year trial for a website. Passed.

Presidents Award: President Fisher awarded the Presidents Award to the Detroit Newspaper Guild for its success in getting contracts at its smaller units.

Good and Welfare:

May 19 to 21 in Toledo with the Midwest and perhaps Southern district councils. May 5 to 7 Union Label National Show will be in Cleveland.

Thank you -- Go Steelers -- Pittsburgh, even though -- Go Steelers -- you've been a bit distracted, -- Go Steelers -- for putting together this weekend's wonderful Great Lakes District Council meeting -- Go Steelers -- on the banks of the Monongahela. The food was excellent, -- Go Steelers -- the hotel was great, and the company -- Go Steelers -- was even better. Our thanks to the local for its tremendous hospitality! M/Vellequette S/Stephens. Passed. M/Blazina S/Covarrubias to adjourn at 10:42. Passed.

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Members

Officers
President:
Ken Fisher kenfish102@aol.com
724-375-6814

Vice President:
Carol Ann Burke
cabur628@hotmail.com