news
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Guild ?: Working for equity on COVID-19 benefits
A message from the President
Now two months into the stay-at-home order, we’ve hopefully all adapted to the “new normal” particularly when it comes to continuing business.
Specifically speaking, Zoom meetings!
That’s right, your Executive Board has gone virtual just like the rest of ‘em, and we want to continue expanding our virtual footprint with all of our members. If you’re interested in tuning into our next board meeting, Thursday, May 14, be sure to reach out for the Zoom log-in.
We’re also in the process of setting up Zoom calls that range from possible virtual game nights to small group meetings to discuss the benefits our union provides to members as well as to tackle issues that are most important to you. Be sure to keep an eye out for specific dates and times, and mark your calendars.
Lastly, I want to encourage you all to keep your eyes peeled for a call to action that the Guild is leading and needs your support. It’s all an effort to make sure each and every member is compensated fairly during these uncertain times.
While working from home has become a bit monotonous for all of us, I’m looking forward to finding creative and fun ways to connect with all of you despite the obstacles.
Be well and stay safe!
Yours in solidarity,
Amanda Fries
President, Albany Newspaper Guild
Working for compensation for personal cell phone use
The Guild has been pressing the Times Union about treating everyone fairly and paying everyone for using their cell phones while working from home. We know that many of us did not receive a monthly stipend for cell phone use as some employees do.
Local President Amanda Fries has raised this issue with Publisher George Hearst in private conversations and during meetings of the Joint Committee. The Guild has worked on developing a cooperative relationship with the company.
The Guild’s cell phone campaigns began in December when it was requested that the advertising sales force be paid $50 instead of the $35 they were receiving. After several months, the company raised the stipend to $50. This recognized that the sales representatives are using their cell phones all the time in their work.
The Guild has argued that this situation is now true for workers who previously didn’t use cell phones as they worked exclusively from the main office. The situation has changed with the coronavirus pandemic.
The company should recognize this and pay each person who previously didn’t receive reimbursement for their cell phone. The Guild has asked for a $50 monthly payment until the emergency is over and workers return to the main office.
It’s fair treatment.
Fair compensation for personal internet use sought amid work from home order
When we’re at work, the Times Union provides the computers necessary for us to perform our jobs and the internet access needed in the modern office. The Guild has asked the company to pay employees $75 monthly for using their private internet service while working from home.
The Guild has heard from some members that they can’t afford to make higher internet payments to perform their jobs. The Times Union can do the right thing by paying for the internet access needed for the company to operate when employees have been told to work from home.
The Times Union’s equipment is worthless without the internet connection. That’s why the company provides it in the office. We’ve requested this payment be made to help relieve another stress that’s been placed on those using their own internet to keep the paper appearing in print and online.
We’re waiting to hear a response on our proposal.
Guild seeks equitable treatment of employees on lump sum payments
The Times Union issued a $350 payment to Guild-represented workers who have gone out in the field to perform their work during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Guild has requested that this payment — which we’ve termed hazardous duty pay — be extended to everyone.
Any one of us could be directed to go out to perform our jobs. What if you haven’t received this payment previously? And what of employees who’ve gone out and not been paid the $350? We have uncovered one instance where this has happened. If you’re been out and have not been paid the $350, let your officers know.
Help the Guild help you
Expect to hear from the Guild’s Executive Board in the near future. You’ll be contacted and asked to take a small action. It’s important. Be on the outlook!!!!
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Guild agrees to 5 extra days off in 2021
The Albany Newspaper Guild has agreed that each Times Union worker will receive 5 additional days of time off in 2021 in addition to what’s guaranteed in our contract.
The company wanted us to act immediately on this setting a deadline for the end of the day on Wednesday April 29, 2020.
Full-time employees will receive the 5 days off. Part-time employees will receive prorated days off.
Hearst CEO Steve Swartz said Tuesday the additional time off would be given next year across the corporation.
We know how each of us is working under difficult and stressful circumstances during the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, these additional days off aren’t available this year. Under the terms proposed by the company, you must be working from May 1, 2020 to Jan. 1, 2021 to receive these additional days off. If you decide to leave the company or are laid off during this period you will not be given the additional time. If you leave before using this time off, you will not be paid for it as you would for vacation, personal and make-up time.
The agreement is non-precedent setting.
The Guild will inform the company that this is a one-time agreement to the additional leave without waiving our representational rights or right to bargain in the future over any mandatory subject such as benefits including sick leave and time off.
Stay well and please be careful.
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Paid parental leave, fighting for the industry and continuing to work for our members
A Message from the President:
Just because we may be apart, doesn’t mean the Guild isn’t working for you.
During these unprecedented times, your Executive Board has been in constant dialogue with Times Union management to ensure workers are protected as we navigate life amid the coronavirus.
While many other news outlets across the country have announced furloughs and layoffs, Times Union management and the Hearst Corporation have indicated employees’ jobs are safe and have expanded protections to workers as the Guild comes forward with various concerns. I’m happy to say these dialogues are cordial and productive, and I’m truly thankful for the support the Company has given employees. You can learn more about them deeper in this newsletter.
The Company also agreed with the Guild to increase the stipend provided to advertising representatives, which members should have seen reflected in their most recent paycheck. Management now is weighing expanding that stipend to all Guild members working from home during this time at the recommendation of the Guild.
Times Union Publisher George Hearst also informed the Guild the Times Union will be launching a branding campaign that will include TV commercials emphasizing the important role we play in keeping the community informed, particularly during the pandemic. It just so happens the Guild also plans to run an ad in the Times Union recognizing the incredible work our members do.
With everything that is going on in the world, it’s refreshing to be working with management to protect and support employees during this time. As always, I encourage you to reach out if you are having an issue, so we can work together toward a resolution. Those who spend even a little bit of time with me know I love the saying, “teamwork makes the dream work,” but those words couldn’t be truer right now.
We are all in this together.
Yours in solidarity,
Amanda Fries
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The Guild fights to save the newspaper industry
The NewsGuild Executive Council unanimously passed a resolution calling for federal, state, provincial, and local governments to provide public funds to sustain news operations.
Our executive board endorsed the program proposed by our International after participating in a lengthy teleconference involving 70 local Guild leaders, international officers and staff on March 28.
Earlier this year TNG-CWA President Jon Schleuss visited us. Many of us had the opportunity to chat with Jon.
Our union was born out of the Great Depression. Journalists banded together to secure fair wages and rights at newspapers across the country during a time of national crisis.
It was a bold act that many thought wasn’t possible. Many publishers opposed the move, claiming that allowing journalists to form unions would restrict their First Amendment rights.
In this crisis, it is time again to take bold action. Jon said in announcing the program that the goal is twofold:
- Save and protect the jobs in the news industry now without supporting hedge funds and private equity groups who pillaged our workforce.
- Seed a future that promotes a sustainable news industry supported by the public.
This would come from a very likely additional stimulus package in the coming weeks. As Guild leaders, we know this is a strange place for our union. But our critical reporting in the face of declining ad revenue, furloughs, and layoffs shows how essential we are to public safety.
We are one of the Guild’s original locals. We just celebrated our 86th birthday on March 20. Newspaper workers always go above and beyond during a crisis. It’s time to do it again.
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Local assists two members
The local went to bat for two members on issues.
In one case, we helped a member with issues over childcare and work.
In the second case, we dealt with a supervisor going to a member’s residence on his day off when he is taking care of his children. The supervisor was uninvited.
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Guild agrees to paid parental leave, extension of childcare benefits
A day after the Guild notified management of childcare concerns for our members, Hearst CEO Steve Swartz sent out a letter company wide announcing two weeks of paid parental leave for those who are struggling with childcare.
The Guild agreed with this measure and requested that Times Union employees be able to divide the two-week paid time into hours to allow for flexibility in managing work duties along with homeschooling children and other personal responsibilities. Management said they will accommodate employees taking parental leave on an hourly basis.
The Company is extending access to Bright Horizons and emergency care provisions for an additional 30 days as well. The benefit provides reimbursement for childcare services for essential workers locally, or allows you to select someone who does not live with you to serve as the caregiver of your child(ren). For more information, contact the Times Union’s Human Resources Department, or visit Bright Horizons website to see if you qualify.
Hearst has also stressed that managers are to be flexible and work with employees to accommodate needs under these unprecedented circumstances. The Guild looks forward to these efforts continuing and board members stand ready to assist you in working with management.
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The Guild takes out ad in Times Union
On Sunday April 12, a full-page ad will appear in the Times Union and online celebrating our local members’ work during the coronavirus pandemic.
When Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a list of essential businesses, only one had its own category alone – 6. News Media.
The Albany Newspaper Guild executive board voted unanimously to take out the ad. We want the rest of the Capital Region to know we’re working for them.
Our local is ensuring the news is delivered in print and online. Ad salespeople are helping businesses tell their story and remind their customers they’re ready to serve. District managers and circulation sales reps are connecting with our customers to ensure newspapers are delivered to their front door or on their computers, laptops and tablets. Reporters and photographers are collecting the stories and pictures to tell our readers. Copy editors are laying out and editing stories and photos. The digital team is working on the online presentation.
We want the Capital Region to know how essential we are to them. We want them to know that the Times Union’s Advertising, Business, Circulation, Digital, Editorial and Maintenance departments are working through this pandemic.
We’re scattered in our homes, some still at the main building and others in the depots.
The Executive Board felt taking out the ad would be a direct way to the readers to let them know who’s working for them.
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Tips and tricks during the coronavirus pandemic
We remind everyone to be careful when they go out to shop. You may want to consider having items delivered.
It’s hard to find some items like paper goods, eggs and bread. Sometimes you can find them by going to smaller community stores, Stewart’s or hardware stores rather than grocery stores.
Union Plus which provides discounts, business services and information to union members has provided highlights of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) so you don’t have to read the 883 pages in the legislation. Go to http://www.unionplus.org.
Also take the opportunity to see services available to you as a union member.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has updated advice during this time:
- Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
- Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
You can find additional recommendations on the CDC’s website.
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Guild agrees on 26 weeks of sick leave for those infected with coronavirus; extension of telemedicine program to all employees
The Guild has met four times with the Company to discuss the coronavirus pandemic and its impact at the Times Union.
Friday, March 20, the Guild and the Company reached agreement on 26 weeks of sick leave for unit members who contract coronavirus and are out.
The Guild also agreed to the extension of the telemedicine program benefit, the United Concierge Medicine service, to all employees. This will occur through the end of June and then will be re-evaluated for extension of the coverage. This is a non-precedential agreement due to the emergency circumstances.
President Amanda Fries and Vice President Ken Crowe met with Publisher George Hearst, Associate Publisher Pat Richardson and Human Resources Director Ruth Fantasia.
Coronavirus tests costs are being waived by the Company’s insurance provider, Ruth confirmed Friday. Other aspects of health coverage during this crisis are being examined and could change depending on state and federal measures taken.
George told us that the Times Union’s coverage of the coronavirus is supported in the community. Digital subscriptions have increased strongly. Advertising is retooling to deal with the changing marketplace.
The Guild leadership decided in February to contact George and Ruth to meet about the developing coronavirus crisis. The first two meetings were face-to-face in George’s office. The third and fourth meetings were held via teleconference reflecting how the situation has changed.
The Guild raised concerns about sick leave, taking care of sick family members, working remotely, protection for members working out in the field and extended sick time for anyone who became infected with the coronavirus. The discussions have been open, frank and collegiate.
The Guild is happy to report that each of the concerns have been addressed. Nearly everyone is now working remotely. There are only about six people working in the Times Union building on Albany Shaker Road and the district mangers continue to work from the depots.
Hearst made it clear that the Company supports unit members having to care for children home from school and sick family members during the work day.
The Guild and the Company cleared up problems with a supervisor not adhering to work schedule language and worked out issues for photographers avoiding potentially dangerous exposure to coronavirus on assignments and two people in advertising with compromised immune systems. The Company said that the coronavirus emergency would be taken into account for members on performance improvement plans.
Guild employees who may be experiencing issues amid the health crisis can contact the Guild’s point person on coronavirus matters. Ken may be reached at 518-505-0610 or croweken@hotmail.com.
Guild leadership also is in regular contact with the international office, which is providing guidance during the coronavirus pandemic and offering assistance when possible.
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Do you have questions about how coronavirus is impacting you at the Times Union?
Guild President Amanda Fries, Vice President Ken Crowe and Chief Steward Rob Gavin have met twice with Publisher George Hearst and Human Resources Director Ruth Fantasia to discuss the coronavirus pandemic and the Times Union.
There was a review of sick leave provisions and practices. Guild unit members can draw on accumulated sick time if they are out for an extended period of time due to the coronavirus. Provisions for using sick time to take care of family members remains in effect.
Ruth Fantasia is in contact with the insurance providers to obtain information on coverage related to coronavirus.
Discussion was also held regarding working remotely and steps taken to protect the health of those still working on site.
The Guild has assisted five unit members with coronavirus related questions regarding workplace situations.
If you have questions, please contact a Guild officer. Ken Crowe is serving as a point person on coronavirus issues for the Guild. Ken may be reached at 518-505-0610 or croweken@hotmail.com.
The Guild is scheduled to meet again with the Company on Friday. Please let us know if you have any questions you wish us to raise.