The Newspaper Guild of Albany will hold its annual meeting at 12:30 p.m. Tuedsay, October 17, at the Colonie Public Library. There will also be votes on two proposed bylaw changes.

Amendment 1: Amendment Notification Requirements
Currently, any change to the bylaws requires all members to receive notice by mail at least 30 days’ prior to a vote of the exact language to be changed. We had sought an opinion from the international on whether we could send out postcards informing members of the vote and refer them online to the wording of the question. (We would provide written copies to anyone who did not have Internet access.) Ironically, we were told doing so would require an amendment of the bylaws. Therefore this amendment remedies that situation. The exact language changes are shown below.

Amendment 2: Officer Title Changes
This amendment would save the Guild money on workers’ compensation costs by merely changing the titles of two of the vice presidents to board member at large. The exact language changes are on the reverse of this flyer.

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