As part of renewed efforts to negotiate a potential new contract and end the wage freeze, which just marked its tenth year, the Guild wants to know what you think.

This short survey asks members asks members what kind of issues would be most important to them in a new contract. The survey also optionally asks to provide an email point of contact, which would be used to advise members of news and events as the Guild ramps up its social activity.

CLICK HERE to fill out our survey

Please take the time to complete the survey. It will help provide the Guild negotiating team with insights into what members would like to see.

If you have any questions, ideas, or thoughts to share, please reach out to any of your Guild officers, which include President Brian Nearing (x5094); Chief Steward Rob Gavin (x5064), Vice Presidents Mandy Fries (x5353), Jeff Boyer (x5429); and Jennifer Rodd (x5597) Treasurer Marianne Mahr (x5589); and Secretary Mark Hempstead (x5675).

Recently, the Times Union has received numerous awards for its editorial and advertising content. On the news side, the paper in June was again honored as a Newspaper of Distinction for being the “best mid-sized newspaper” in the state, according to the New York State Associated Press Association. It is the fourth time since 2012 that the paper has been so named.

On the advertising side, New York Newspapers Advertising & Marketing Executives honored the paper with 15 awards in April. That was more than any other paper of a similar size.

None of this would happen without a lot of hard work and professional dedication. So the Newspaper Guild wants to recognize all that our members do across all departments to make these awards happen…

On Tuesday, July 11, the Guild will host a get-together for all members at Wolfs 1-11 on Wolf Road. Drinks and snacks provided starting about 5:30 p.m. Give yourself and your colleagues a round of applause. You have earned it.

And also take the opportunity to meet our two newest board members, Amanda Fries and Rob Gavin. Amanda is your new First Vice President and Rob is your new Chief Steward.

Guild members elected Brian Nearing as the union local’s new President, Rob Gavin as Chief Steward, Amanda Fries as First Vice President, and Jeff Boyer as Second Vice President on the Guild’s Executive Board.

Nearing has been Chief Steward for seven years. Fries is the Albany County reporter and a new board member. Gavin is the courts reporter and a new board member. Boyer is a graphic artist who is returning to the board. The election fills vacancies left by the departures of board members Tim O’Brien, Cindy Schultz and Michael Huber.

Their elections occurred at the local’s annual membership meeting Wednesday at the Colonie Public Library.

Location: Lanthier’s Grove (4 Dunsbach Ferry Road, Latham)

Come out for a day of fun, friendship and fellowship. The picnic is open to members of our union and their immediate families. Singles can bring a guest.

All You Can Eat Picnic. Kitchen Open: Noon–5:00, Beverages till dusk.

Menu: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Veggie Burgers, Pulled Pork on a Roll, Sausage & Pepper Sandwiches, Raw Clam Bar, Chicken Wings, Spare Ribs, Clam Chowder, Corn on the Cob, Baked Beans, Potato and Pasta Salad, Pickles, Potato Chips, Watermelon, Cookies, Beer and Soda.

Recreation: Softball, Volleyball, Bocci Ball, Horseshoes, Basketball, a Game Room and a Pool Table are available.

Join with your union colleagues for a fun day, rain or shine!
RSVP at albanyguild.org/picnic

time: 12:30 pm
date: Wednesday, May 10, 2017
location: Colonie Town Library

The Newspaper Guild of Albany will hold a membership meeting at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, at the Colonie Town Library.

Three open seats on the Executive Board are up for election after the departures of President Tim O’Brien, 1st Vice President Mike Huber and 2nd Vice President Cindy Schultz. The terms are for the remainder of their 3 year terms. All board seats are up for election in September 2019.

In the event of an uncontested election, should any new board vacancies arise, we will also fill them at this time.

The positions require attendance at the monthly Executive Board meeting, held at 5:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Board members develop bargaining proposals, make decisions on health care and other proposals, and decide on any grievances or other issues that arise.

It’s also a great way to get to know your colleagues within your own department and in other departments.

ELECTION INFORMATION:

The vacant positions are President, 1st Vice President, and 2nd Vice President. The term will continue through December 31, 2019.

Members must be in good standing to run for office and to attend the nomination meeting. If you want to check your standing, email the Guild office at office@albanyguild.org.

If there is only one nomination for any office, and the person accepts nomination, the person will be elected at the meeting. If there is more than one candidate for any office, a Local Elections Committee will be appointed and a mail-in ballot election will be held.

Nominations for any office may be from the floor, by petition. Petitions may be for an individual candidate in which the name of the candidate, his/her Local unit (if applicable), and department worked listed. Such petitions must also contain the names of at least 25 members. Individuals signing a petition must be members in good standing. These petitions must be filed with the local Secretary at the membership meeting. The secretary shall notify all candidates of their nomination and shall receive from them a written notice of their willingness to serve.