As many of you already know, employees are being informed as to whether they are being given the buyout. Some will be leaving the newspaper’s employment on April 30.

The breakdown of applicants we’ve received is: nine in advertising, eight in editorial, two in the business office and one person in circulation. The Guild prefers that people getting the buyout let their colleagues know, rather than us disclosing it immediately. Some people openly discuss it; others like to let it be known only as they are heading to the door. We respect their wishes.

We’ll provide an official breakdown of what positions folks held once the final news is delivered. We’ve yet to hear of anyone turned down.

We are losing many good people, but we appreciate the fact that they get to go voluntarily and with some extra pay and health insurance. All of them leave with our best wishes for success in whatever path they choose.

The Albany Common Council approved by a 14-0 vote tonight a resolution to support the Newspaper Guild of Albany in its fight for a fair contract with the Times Union.

All 14 sponsored the resolution; one council member was absent.

“There needs to be give and take on both sides, and I think the Newspaper Guild has done that,” said President Pro Tempore Richard Conti. Conti noted that the newspaper industry is challenged, but added: “Those challenges don’t mean you don’t work with your employees.”

Councilman Corey Ellis asked where the city of Albany would be without the Times Union’s investigative reporting. “Union busting is disgusting, and that seems to be what is going on here,” he said.

Councilman James Sano noted he had called Publisher George Hearst and urged him not to cancel the Guild’s contract. “I find it disgusting not to have a contract,” he said. “Hopefully Mr. Hearst will come to his senses.”

Councilwoman Cathy Fahey said she has the deepest respect for the work done by Times Union employees.

“It means so much to me and my family to have the great work of the reporters of the Times Union,” Fahey said. “If these jobs are outsourced or done by freelancers at cut-rate prices, that important work won’t be done. People who have given years and years of their lives to a business should be supported.”

Councilman John Rosenzweig said he found it ironic the newspaper is raising its price while gutting its content.

Noting she grew up in a union household, Council Majority Leader Carolyn McLaughlin said she was glad to support the resolution and said the Guild “has shown a level of fairness we can appreciate.”

Council member Joseph Igoe recalled both his grandfathers were union printers. He called on Times Union management to work with the union not against it.

Councilman Michael O’Brien, who is no relation to Guild President Tim O’Brien, said the newspaper should practice what it preaches.

“I just find it ironic that the TU, which is constantly commenting on the economic health of the Capital District, would outsource work,” he said.

Guild members Ray Pitlyk and Danielle Furfaro spoke to the council prior to the vote. They were joined by Bill Ritchie, a member of both the executive board of the Albany Public School Teachers Association and of the board of the Capital District Area Labor Federation.

“We are talking about a strong effort to crack the legitimately organized union at the Times Union,” Ritchie told the council. “We want to have a viable economic community. The whole idea of destroying unions, of taking jobs outside of the Capital District, is something we are opposed to. This is no way to treat working people.”

Guild members took to Wolf Road Saturday to distribute fliers outside Lazare Kia and Lincoln Mercury.

The union did not call on customers to boycott the business, but did ask that they advise the advertiser of what was happening at the Times Union.

One Lazare customer turned out to be R. Victor Stewart, a past president of our local. He drove into the lot and told the sales people why there were people in bright red shirts outside on the sidewalk. (He had not known in advance of the mobilizing event, but proudly pointed out to the dealership he had purchased his car there.)

The Guild is ramping up its public campaign. An advertisement ran in Metroland Saturday, and a Guild supporter spoke to an Albany neighborhood group and a gathering of union leaders this week.

It is unfortunate these steps need to be taken, but the Company was well aware what it risked by canceling the contract.

Twenty people have applied for the buyout by this week’s deadline, the Company informed the Guild Thursday.

We have no details yet on names or departments, and the Company has not yet provided details on when people who applied may hear if their application is accepted.

“The Company was content to lay people off, but we fought to get a voluntary buyout first,” Guild President Tim O’Brien said. “This will mean 20 fewer people get laid off.”

The union will share further details when they are available.

From Guild President Tim O’Brien:

People often stop and ask me how I cope with all that is going on at the Times Union.

It is not easy on any of us, of course. The worry about layoffs, the insecurity about the future of our business, and the rough treatment by our employer are difficult for all of us.

But what keeps me and all of the bargaining team going is the support of our members. The pats on the back, the kind words, the expressions of support, all mean more than you know.

Today, when I stopped by my mailbox, I found a card inside. I opened the envelope to find a note with today’s date that simply said: “Tim — Happy Spring, Happy Easter, Happy Vacation. Thanks for all you’re doing for us. Maybe this will help you find a distraction.”

Enclosed was a gift card. It was signed “Your membership.”

I don’t choke up often, folks. I did then. I do now as I write this. I do not know who did this, but I thank you so much.

I also got an e-mail today from one of my younger colleagues. He thanked me and said he was amazed I was standing up to one of the biggest corporations in America. He talked about how much the union meant to him and how he recognized the wages and benefits he enjoys are the results of being able to bargain contracts.

It is those moments that keep you going. I am grateful to all of you and especially to John, Stacy and Mary, my bargaining teammates, who have every bit as much “brass” as I do, and to International Representative Jim Schaufenbil for his tremendous wisdom and advice.

But I am most grateful to the people I have seen least in recent weeks: My wife Karen and my children Shannon and Kevin. And so, for the next few days, I will be reacquainting myself with my family. The timing is such that I will be unavailable for bargaining next week.

My amazing wife Karen is a former TU reporter and past Guild member. She has given me the OK to spend part of my time off next week speaking to all of you at a membership meeting. We are currently working to schedule that at lunch time on Wednesday or Friday next week. We will get details to you on Monday.

Thank you all so much. These are trying times, but I am so proud to be your president. We represent so many good people who have dedicated themselves to the Times Union. I am grateful to you every day.