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Frequently Asked Questions
About Joining the Union
How
much does it cost to join?
Who
is eligible for membership?
What
is a Guild?
What
does the Guild do?
Whom
does the Guild represent?
Why
should I pay if I get the benefits for free?
Where
do the dues go?
What
would life be like without the Guild?
Does
the Guild protect incompetent or bad employees?
What
is the Guild's relationship with the company?
Will
joining the Guild hurt my chance of advancing?
How
do I join?
Will
I have to pay back dues?
How
do I quit?
What
happens if Guild membership drops below 50 percent?
Will
I have to attend meetings?
Will
the Guild consider my issues?
Who
makes decisions for the Guild?
How
do I get involved?
How
do I help without getting involved?
What
if I have more questions?
How much does it cost to join?
Dues are 1.5 percent of your weekly salary, plus 50 cents. So if
you make $600 a week, your dues are $9.50. If you make $1,000, dues
are $15.50. If you make $2,000 a week, congratulations and would
you consider making us an interest free loan? Dues are tax deductible.
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Who is eligible for membership?
Approximately 260 reporters, photographers, artists, copy editors,
designers, picture editors, clerks, and photo lab techs at the Free
Press and 190 at the News. These people are included in what is
referred to as the bargaining unit. The Guild represents everyone
in the bargaining unit, whether or not they are dues-paying members.
There are also about 65 custodians in the Detroit Newspapers bargaining
unit. There are about 140 Guild members at Independent Newspapers
(the Macomb Daily and Royal Oak Tribune); 65 members at the Observer
& Eccentric newspapers; 12 members at the UAW public relations unit;
and 9 members at the Michigan Catholic.
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What is a Guild?
The Detroit Newspaper Guild, often referred to as Guild 22 or Local
22, is a union. Our full name is Local 34022 of the Newspaper Guild/Communications
Workers of America, which is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. The local
represents editorial employees at the Free Press and News; editorial,
business and circulation employees at the Independent Newspapers
(Macomb Daily and Royal Oak Tribune); editorial employees at the
Observer & Eccentric newspapers; editorial and business employees
at the Michigan Catholic; and public relations workers at the UAW.
Each paper, the custodians and the UAW has its own unit, which is
led by a chairperson and vice chairperson elected by members of
that unit. The Free Press unit was formed in 1937. Custodians organized
in 1941. The UAW unit dates to the 1950s. Michigan Catholic workers
unionized about 40 years ago. The Independent and Observer & Eccentric
units formed in the 1970s. And workers at the News organized in
1974.
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What does the Guild do?
We negotiate and enforce the contract that provides the framework
for your employment. In other words, the Guild bargains with your
boss on the rules of the workplace. Then, with your help, we make
sure the company sticks by the rules. The Guild also fields several
calls a day from members and non-members inquiring their rights
under the contract, workplace concerns and their benefits. We research
these issues and act as a liaison with the company to resolve them.
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Whom does the Guild represent?
Everyone in the bargaining unit. Whether you're a member or not,
we will do our best to protect your rights.
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Why should I pay if I get the benefits
for free?
Simply put, because it's the right thing to do. More than half of
your colleagues spend their hard-earned dollars on union dues that
help make this a better place to work - for all of us. If you had
a roommate, how would you feel if they didn't pay their share of
the bills? But what we need more than your money is your membership.
The number of Guild members is very much on the company's mind when
we raise a concern about a workplace issue or go to the bargaining
table. Don't take our word for it. When we asked Knight-Ridder Senior
Vice President for Labor Relations Marshall Anstandig whether the
company considered Guild numbers during contract negotiations, he
said it's better to have 90 percent membership than 50 percent membership.
You might not get everything you ask for, Anstandig added, but he
said more members means more clout. Besides hitching a free ride
on their dues-paying colleagues, people who hang on to the 1.5 percent
they save on tax-deductible union dues ultimately cost everyone
by weakening the Guild's hand at the bargaining table and in protecting
your rights under the contract. Finally, there are some benefits
only Guild members enjoy. Non-members cannot attend membership meetings
where important matters are decided. Non-members do not get a say
in what issues the Guild takes to the bargaining table. And non-members
do not get to vote on the contract.
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Where do the dues go?
-
Rent and utilities for the Guild offices in the
Book Building, 1249 Washington Blvd. The Guild shares space and
utility costs with the Printing Pressmen Local 13-N/GCIU in the
stately but antiquated and largely vacant office tower. Rent is
significantly less per square foot than the average downtown rate.
-
Salary for our administrative officer and one
part-time assistant.
-
Payments to our international union, which publishes
the Guild Reporter, provides organizing, lobbying and legal services,
works with other unions, and maintains a strike defense fund.
Issues the international tracks include a Bush administration
proposal to eliminate overtime for many professions - including
journalists.
-
Legal bills for the lawyer who represents members
of the bargaining unit in arbitration cases and other legal proceedings.
(A single arbitration case can cost the Guild as much as $10,000
for legal fees, research and our share of the arbitrator's fees.)
-
Lost time paid to colleagues who go off the company
payroll to sit at the bargaining table, attend Guild conferences
or participate in grievance proceedings.
-
Printing of the contract and organizing materials,
such as benefit updates and bargaining bulletins.
-
Costs associated with informational sessions,
thrice-yearly general membership meetings and special meetings
like our contract Q&A lunches and after-work gatherings.
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What would life be like without
the Guild?
Ask an assistant metro or feature editor at the Free Press. During
contract talks in 2000, the company successfully negotiated the removal
of assistant editors from the bargaining unit. Now they are no longer
eligible for overtime, have been removed from the Guild pension plan,
are paid on a monthly basis, and are in the management health care
plan, which is subject to change without negotiation. (Their health
care insurance also costs a lot more than the Guild-negotiated health
care plan.) They are also at-will employees, which means they can
be reassigned or even fired at any time for any reason, and are not
eligible to participate in the grievance process. Frankly, life would
be a lot less pleasant. If you are called in to a supervisor's office
to discuss possible disciplinary action, you are entitled to have
a Guild witness with you. This helps protect your rights under the
contract and often results in more reasonable, professional discussions.
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Does the Guild protect incompetent
or bad employees?
No. If the company has "just and sufficient cause" for firing an employee,
the Guild doesn't - and won't - stand in the way. We also can't stop
the company from disciplining an employee if the company has "just
and sufficient cause." The Guild helps ensure that people are not
wrongly accused. If discipline is warranted, we work to see that the
punishment fits the crime and that someone is not excessively punished
for a relatively minor offense. The company may view people differently,
but the Guild treats everyone the same. Whether you're a show horse
or a workhorse, we believe you are entitled to equal consideration.
The contract is our guide.
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What is the Guild's relationship
with the company?
Like our democracy, our workplace is based on checks and balances.
The Guild is a check on the company's ability to make significant
changes in the rules that govern the terms of your employment. If
you have an issue with a supervisor, such as when you're scheduled
to work or how much vacation you're entitled to, we can advise and
represent you. Believe it or not, most issues are settled with a phone
call or an e-mail. Rarely do we end up in protracted legal negotiations
with your bosses over a workplace issue. Labor and management work
in an environment of mutual respect.
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Will joining the Guild hurt
my chance of advancing?
T he best and brightest at each paper belong to the Guild. Our members
tend to be those that receive merit pay and choice assignments. Guild
members regularly receive promotions and are often among the most
sought-after when management openings arise. From what bosses tell
us, our activists are viewed as leaders and valuable contributors
to both the paper and efforts to maintain a quality workplace. Many
top managers at the paper were once Guild members who enjoyed the
benefits of union-negotiated contracts.
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How do I join?
Ask a Guild member, an activist, a steward or an officer for membership
cards. Or you can call us at 313-963-4254. Once you sign your cards
and turn them in, dues will be automatically deducted from your paycheck
within a week or two.
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Will I have to pay back dues?
No. Your financial obligation to the Guild begins after you sign membership
cards and not a minute sooner.
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How do I quit?
If you are promoted to a position outside the bargaining unit or leave
the paper, you will receive an honorable discharge from the Guild.
Otherwise, there is a procedure for resigning near the expiration
of a contract.
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What happens if Guild membership
drops below 50 percent?
The company can choose not to negotiate with the Guild if our membership
falls below 50 percent of the bargaining unit.
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Will I have to attend meetings?
No. The Guild is required by our bylaws to hold three annual general
membership meetings. Whether you come is up to you. We encourage you
to attend, because important matters and policy decisions are often
made at these meetings. The Guild also holds occasional informational
meetings, such as a 2002 legal seminar on what to do if you receive
a subpoena or have to take the witness stand. We also hosted several
sessions throughout 2003 updating members on contract negotiations.
Often, the Guild will provide food and drinks at these meetings, which
are typically as convivial as they are informative.
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Will the Guild consider my
issues?
Yes. The Guild, your unit's officers, our lawyer and our international
union representatives are available to research and advise you on
issues. If the issue is within our jurisdiction under the contract,
we can be vigorous advocates. Often, other members share your concerns
and we can work together on a resolution.
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Who makes decisions for the
Guild?
You do. Members elect officers and vote on contracts. Elected officers
volunteer their time to make routine decisions that set the course
for the Guild. They work with the Guild's full-time administrative
officer, who researches contract-related questions for members of
the bargaining unit, acts as an advocate for employees on workplace
issues with the company, and handles day-to-day matters. Bigger decisions,
such as setting policy for the Guild, determining whether to buy a
computer or send a delegate to a union conference, are made by the
representative assembly, which includes officers from each unit and
holds almost monthly board meetings. These positions are also unpaid.
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How do I get involved?
Raise your hand. If you have the time an inclination, there is plenty
to do. The Guild has only one paid, full-time employee. Everything
else is done by members volunteering their time. Just let an officer
know that you'd like to become an activist, an organizer or focus
in on a particular issue and we'll put you to work. The strength of
this union is the intelligence, energy and commitment of our members.
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How do I help without getting
involved?
By joining you have already helped tremendously. While we hope that
members will at least encourage their colleagues to join, the majority
of our members pay their dues and weigh in with the occasional e-mail
or comment at the water cooler. There is no expectation that you will
become the next Norma Rae when you sign up. We're grateful that you
have decided to help yourself and your colleagues make things better
by becoming a dues-paying member.
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What if I have more questions?
Visit our website at www.detroitguild22.com.
Contact a Guild officer, steward or the Guild President and Administrative
Officer Louis J. Mleczko. Lou can be reached at 313-963-4254.
The following numbers are subject to change.
Free Press officers are unit chair Jocelyn Heard, 313-222-6550;
vice chair Patty Montemurri, 313-223-4538; and delegates to the representative
assembly Joel Thurtell, 248-586-2609; Erin Chan, 313-222-6610; and
JohnMasson, 586-469-4680.
News officers are unit chair Christine MacDonald, 313-222-2396;
vice chair Maureen Feighan, 248-647-7220; and delegates to the representative
assembly Susan Whitall, 313-222-6610; and David Josar, 313-222-2072.
(Guild Secretary Alesia Cunningham also works at the News. She can
be reached at 313-222-2046.)
Detroit Newspapers custodians' unit chair is Julius
Titsworth, 313-527-2184.
Independent Newspapers officers are chair Bill Fleming
(who is the Guild's vice president), 586-783-0253; vice chair Carol
Koch, 586-469-4510; and delegates to the representative assembly Linda
Preuss, 586-469-4510, and Norb Franz, 586-783-0268.
Observer & Eccentric officers are chair LeAnne Rodgers,
734-953-2104; vice chair James Toth, 248-901-2578; and delegate to
the representative assembly Tom Hoffmeyer, 248-901-2581.
Michigan Catholic officers are chair Walter Warren,
vice chair Dug Rusin and delegate to the representative assembly Joe
Kohn. All can be reached at 313-224-8000.
The UAW public relations' chair is Jennifer John, vice
chair Gwynne Irvin. Both can be reached at 313-926-5291.
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