Second Quarter 2012 SECTOR NEWS Page 4A

CWA PrintingPublishingand MediaWorkers

Volume 27, No. 2Second Quarter 2012

Sector NewsSector News

CWA Local 7818/ M91 Mailers in Spokane, WA., have been in negotiations with the

Spokesman-Review since their contract expired on December 1, 2011.

The company, which is the only daily newspaper in Spokane, Washington and Idaho Falls, Idaho, has a circulation of about 88,000 and is owned by the Cowles Publishing Company a fam-ily owned and operated media con-glomerate based in Spokane. Cowles also controls Spokane KHQ TV. The Spokesman-Review is the third largest paper in the state of Washington.

Although the Cowles family claims to be highly involved in the Spokane com-munity their refusal to bargain a fair contract with Local 7818 Mailers proves otherwise. The Contract givebacks the

In Spokane

Publisher: Not Unable, But Unwilling To Pay Fair WageSpokane Local 7818/ M91 Mailers in Negotiations with Spokesman-Review Asked to Take Cuts That Could Amount to 80 Percent of the Workforce Making Less Then a Living Wage

“…the Company is not claiming an inability to

pay; rather, the Company is unwilling to continue

to pay the current wage levels.”

company is demanding would place a large burden on the Spokane taxpay-ers and communities to pick up the tab for nearly 80 percent of the com-pany’s workforce who lack the ability to pay for health care coverage. When asked by the union if the company was losing money a company spokesman responded: “kindly be advised that the Company is not claiming an inability to pay; rather, the Company is unwill-ing to continue to pay the current wage levels.”

The company’s demands represent significant changes in a new contract including a wage concession of 5 per-cent for all journeyman mailers. Mailers at the Spokesman-Review haven’t had a pay increase since 2008 and took a 6 per-cent wage cut in 2009 during the height

of the recession. In negotiations the company is also asking to change con-tract language to allow different wage scales for different types of job duties, cutting benefits and overtime require-ments, mandatory overtime, reduction of hours worked out of priority, the right to work employees anywhere from 5-10 hours a day and to unilaterally make changes to working conditions.

Should the company get their way almost 80 percent of bargaining unit employees would earn less than a living wage and journeyman mailers could see cuts amounting to as much as 37 percent of their salaries and benefits.

The Union is preparing to kick-off a community awareness drive that is not only aimed at informing the com-munity of how the Spokesman-Review is treating the mailroom employees, but to fully engage the public in demanding change at the paper.

Bargaining committee members Aaron Zito, Russell Morse and Ron Johnston have been instrumental throughout the bargaining process. SN

Allied Files Suit To Protect LabelIn St. Louis Case

The International Allied Printing Trades Association (IAPTA) attor-ney Peter Leff filed suit in Federal Court on April 11, 2012 against MADCO Printing of St. Louis, MO alleging the company has “been affixing, applying, annexing or reproducing the Allied Label onto goods that it has been producing, knowing that it did not have per-mission from the IAPTA or a valid IAPTA License to do so.”

The suit was filed after Matt Laufketter, owner of the Ink Spot, an Allied shop in St. Louis, MO, found out that his company’s label may have been fraudulently used by MADCO Printing. Laufketter took his suspicions to John Ebeling who heads the St. Louis Allied Printing Trades Council as well as the PPMWS unit within CWA St. Louis Local 6300. Ebeling passed the case on to IAPTA.

In his court filing Leff claims MADCO’s actions have “caused and are causing

Acco Brands Buys MeadWestvaco; Commits to Reinvestment and Growth

Members of Sidney Ty p o g r a p h i c a l Local 14164 at Acco Brands (formerly

MeadWestvaco) are working on negotiating a new agreement cov-ering the over 500 workers repre-sented at the facility.

Acco bought the facility in November 2011. Acco Brands committed to upgrading the facil-ity by investing in a $6 million, high-tech press. MeadWestvaco had a state-of-the-art facility prior to the purchase.

“The members of Local 14164 are some of the most dedicated and knowledgeable work-

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Gannett Takes Wal-Mart Approach

Wilmington Mailers, CWA Local 13101/M139 – Fighting for a living wage doesn’t stop at The Spokesman-Review, mailroom employees at the Wilmington News Journal, a Gannett newspaper, are fighting a similar battle. The News Journal is asking its full-time journeyman mailers to take 15% wage cut and just like in Spokane, WA, provi-sional employees have been fighting for a fair wage since February 2011. Starting wages for provisional employees are $7.50 an hour.

The News Journal is fighting increasing their wages while trying to cut journeyman’s wages.

Provisional and journeyman employees have ramped up their mobilization tactics at the paper, and look forward to taking their message to the public.

“Gannett has taken the Wal-Mart approach in their mailroom by refusing to pay a living wage,” said Local President Jim Hummell. “Like Wal-Mart, this pushes the cost of social services for these employees onto the backs of the taxpayers.”

A significant mobilization by the local and members will be kicking of soon in the Wilmington Delaware area to fight for a fair wage increase and combat the wage cut proposal.

Along with the Local President Jim Hummell, Rob Westbrook and Jim Fitzgerald have been very instrumental both the bargaining and the mobiliza-tion of the membership. SN

Page 4B SECTOR NEWS Second Quarter 2012

Despite a broad push by labor unions throughout Wisconsin and the U.S., Wisconsin

Governor Scott Walker was able to sur-vive a recall election in June. Walker’s signature on a bill that severely cur-tailed the collective bargaining rights of public sector unions had made him an enemy to organized labor nationwide. More than half a million voters signed the recall petition for the June 5 special election.

Conservatives are celebrating Walker’s victory, claiming that Walker’s anti-union policies are popular, but big money was poured into Walker’s cam-paign thanks to the Citizens United U.S. Supreme Court decision — which nullified Wisconsin’s ban on indepen-dent expenditures by corporations and unions. Paired with a Wisconsin state law that allows unlimited contribu-tions to the incumbent in recall elec-tions, Walker’s fundraising exceeded his opponent Tom Barrett by a 7 to 1 margin.

Sector & CWA Members Protest Wisconsin Gov’s Visit to Springfield, IL

Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod told the New York Times that he was concerned about the fundrais-ing in the recall election, and it’s wider implications in November.

“The fact that you’ve got a handful of self-interested billionaires who are try-ing to leverage their money across the country,” said Axelrod. “Does that con-cern me? Of course that concerns me.”

Walker claimed his union-busting activities were aimed at balancing the state’s budget, but he exempted the police and firefighters out of the legisla-tion.

“His true aim was to use the eco-nomic downturn to destroy unions,” said Linda Morris-Cooley, a Sector rep-resentative. “He started with the public sector unions because he could, but we know he’s not going to stop there.”

“His actions are straight out the Koch brothers and the ALEC playbook. Billionaires who want to destroy the middle class and keep wages flat, to make themselves richer.” SN

Protestors shouted: "Scott Walker go home"

“Like Wal-Mart, this pushes the cost of social

services for these employees onto the backs of

the taxpayers.”

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker brought his anti-union

message to Springfield, IL. where thousands of

union members jeered his visit and contrasted

Walker’s Republican politics to those of another Republican and

Springfield’s most renowned son Abe Lincoln.

Linda Morris-Cooley joined with members of the Printing Sector

and other CWA leaders to protest the Walker appearance at the

state Chamber of Commerce headquarters. SN

Fundraising Plays Major Role in Labor’s Loss in WI

Second Quarter 2012 SECTOR NEWS Page 4C

St. Louis MailersSt. Louis Mailers #3 reached a 4-year

agreement at Dow Jones. A wage freeze will be in place until Dec. 1, 2012, then increases each year of the contract. Changes were made in jurisdiction to include some non-exclusive work. In addition, language was added to maxi-mize work to give part-timers more hours. Cope language and provisions for protective clothing were also includ-ed in this contract.

St. Louis Mailers #3 Retirees’ griev-ance has reached a confidential settle-ment on the district court complaint against the St. Louis Post Dispatch, a Lee Enterprises newspaper, on their decision to discontinue paying for retir-ee’s medical insurance.

Detroit TypographicalThe Detroit Typographical Union

#18 discharge arbitration hearing with the Detroit Media Partnership Newspaper was held in May 2012. The arbitrator is still preparing his decision.

The Detroit Typographical Union #18/CWA 14503 recently organized Economy Print and Graphics in Flint, Mich. and TriCity Printing in Saginaw, Mich. The three new work-ers at Economy Print and Graphics signed their new agreement on April 1. TriCity's three workers signed their new agreement on May 17.

The Detroit Typographical Union #18/CWA 14503 is still fighting against the Macomb Daily's attempt to out-source its ad work to the Philippines. The Union has not met with the com-pany since October but still plans to try and stop the paper's plan, joined by the other Unions in the Newspaper Bargaining Council of Unions. The paper is owned by the Journal Register Co.

SuperiorSuperior #163 reached a three-

agreement in the Editorial/Composing Units with the Telegram, a Forum Communications Company paper. The agreement calls for a 2% increase in wages the first year and new language

Around the Sector

Washington Post Settles Unfair Labor Practices Complaint; Reinstates Mailer’s Chair

Prior to going to trial, The Washington Post settled an Unfair Labor Practices complaint with Mailers Local 29/CWA Local 14201, reinstating the Chapel Chair James Forsythe, with back pay. The Post also converted his suspension into a written warning.

The Post had suspended Forsythe for his conduct during a company-union meeting. Forsythe had complained that Post was not adhering to hiring prac-tices for mailroom personnel. The union also alleged that the Post has been discriminating against union members and discouraging mailroom workers from joining and supporting the union.

The National Labor Relations Board issued a complaint against The Post and ordered a hearing on the charges. SN

for contractual days off. There’s also an increase in mileage reimbursement. The company’s decision to centralize their page layout and ad building to their new production center will affect two employees in composing.

HibbingHibbing #727 reached a two-year

agreement at SPC Printing in the com-posing and pressroom departments. The agreement calls for a 1% increase for employees at top scale. Those who are not at the top scale will receive a 2% increase the first year and a 3% increase the second year, with the elimination of the steps. The company moved adver-tising production out-of-state, resulting in lay-offs for nine composing room employees.

Hibbing #727 reached a two-year agreement at the Daily Tribune. The contract provides for an increase of 1% the first year and 2% in the second year. The agreement also provides for an increase in the mileage rate.

ChampaignChampaign # 444 discharge griev-

ance that was filed against the News Gazette Newspaper reached a confiden-tial settlement.

EvansvilleEvansville Mailers #78 reached a

one-year agreement at the Evansville Courier & Press, a Scripps Newspaper that includes a wage increase.

DuluthDuluth Mailers #62 extended their

contract for a year at the Duluth News Tribune, they are owned by Forum Communications Company. The com-pany is moving production to a new facility in Duluth. Our members will follow the work.

New Shops at Chicago Typographical Union No. 16/CWA 14408

Chicago Typographical Union No. 16/ CWA 14408 president Steven

Annual Mailer's ConferenceThis year's Mailer's Conference was held June 15th-17th in Manchester, NH.

Members of the committee were: President Borys A. Sharvan, • Buffalo Mailers Union M-81;Secretary-Treasurer James Metz,• St. Louis Mailers Union M-3;Vice-President Steven A. Stasenko,• Pittsburgh Mailers Union M-22;Recording Secretary Greg Cristarella,• Washington Mailers Union M-29;Sergeant-At-Arms Colin Smith,• Manchester Mailers Union M-125

Berman reports three new orgaizing wins. The Local welcomed Advantage Sign & Graphics, 6223 Hohman Avenue, Hammond, Indiana. Allied Label No.143 has been awarded; Essential Creations, Inc., 809 East 82nd Street, Chicago, Illinois 60619. Allied Label No. 405 has been awarded; and Minuteman Press Deerfield, 20574 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Deerfield, Illinois 60015. Allied Label No. 200 has been awarded.

New JerseyCWA Local 14199 has organized

Gangi Graphics in Brick, New Jersey.

Manchester Manchester Typographical Union

152/CWA 14131 is beginning negotia-tions with its employer.

Local 14176CWA Local 14176’s president has

been promoted to a management posi-tion. The Local is holding an election for a new president.

Renew America Expo Features Union Made Wares and Services

Members at the Detroit Local 18 participated in the Renew America Expo on June 9, 2012. The Michigan State AFL-CIO’s Union Label and Service Trades Council hosted the event, featuring vendors displaying Union and American made products and services. Local President Tom Grenfell is a member of the Mich. ULSTD Michigan Council. SN

Salt Lake City Salt Lake City Mailers Local 21 /

CWA 14759 has filed for an arbitra-tion hearing over a member who was suspended for a co-worker’s mistake. The member was working in another area of the building when the mistake occurred. Local 21 has another pending arbitration over pay codes. The Union has asked the company to properly pay the employees for the jobs that they perform.

Reading TypographicalCWA14830/Reading Typographical

Union 86 is in negotiations with The Pottstown Mercury, owned by the Journal Register Company.

Boston and NY Locals Merge

Local President Ronald Miller is assisting the Boston Typographical Union 13 CWA 14117 in merging with New York 6/CWA 14156. SN

In the last edition of the Sector News, we unveiled the new and improved PPMWS website www.cwa-ppmws.org. Since then we

have joined Facebook and Twitter and are looking to these social media out-lets and the website to keep our mem-bers informed, engaged and aware of the happenings around the Sector.

Now we need your help. If you haven’t yet, visit our website

and register as a user on the new site. As a member, you will have access to materials not available to unregistered users.

As we continue to build our mem-bership base, we will be able to quickly and efficiently communicate with you about what is going on in your union.

If you are on Facebook, be sure to visit and “Like” our page there

too. You can find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PPMWS.

Our Twitter handle is @CWAPrintingSect. Follow our tweets there and we’ll be sure to follow you back. We hope to reach as many mem-bers as possible using social media and the website between editions of Sector News to keep you informed. That can’t happen unless you join the conversa-tion.

To register visit www.cwa-ppmws.org. On the right-hand side of the page is a box that reads “Become a Member.” Click there to register with the PPMWS. All member registrations must be checked against the union’s

Page 4D SECTOR NEWS Second Quarter 2012

We Want You…To Register For The Website, Facebook & Twitter

and are causing grievous and irrepa-rable injury to the IAPTA and its mem-bers, damage to the trade and craft reputation of the IAPTA and its mem-bers, and weakening of the distinctive quality of the said IAPTA mark, all of which is impossible to precisely com-pute.” In all there are seven counts filed against the company.

The Allied is asking that MADCO be enjoined and restrained from using the Allied Label and that the company notify, in writing, any customers “on whose printed products it has used the Label.” IAPTA is seeking the court to order MADCO to report any profits to the Allied and upon reporting pay to IAPTA “three times such profits, or such other damages as are found by the Court to be just, as set forth.”

MADCO’s answer to the court filing has been to claim lack of “knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations” and “therefore, denies each allegation.”

At this time no court date has been set. SN

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Pirated Allied Label in St. Louis

membership database before becoming active. We will do our best to approve members as quickly as possible. Once your membership has been approved, you will receive an e-mail letting you know that your registration has been activated.

Only PPMWS union members in good standing will be granted access to the site. SN

Web: www.CWA-PPMWS.orgTwitter: @CWAPrintingSectFacebook: PPMWS

Volume 27, No. 2, Second Quarter 2012

Printing, Publishing and Media Workers Sector of the Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO, CLC

Headquarters—501 3rd Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20001-2797.

Address President Daniel Wasser on all matters of administration, law, scales, finances, etc., at 501 3rd Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20001-2797. Telephone (202) 434-1238/1248.

Trustees Union Printers Home • Daniel Wasser, President • Al Rudy, Secretary-Treasurer • Robert C. Maida, Vice President. Contact Administrator, Union Printers Home, at 101 S. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colo. 80910. Telephone: (719) 634-3711.

Editorial Correspondence: The Sector News is edited by Kenefick Communications under the direction of the PPMW president. Editorial correspondence should be directed to Tara Landis, editor, Sector News, 2803 Lake View Drive, Annapolis, MD 21403.

Sector News

ers in the dated products business,” said Local President Matt Theodore. “They’ve made the Sidney facility what it is today.”

“We’re excited about the inclination of the company to work with the union,” added Theodore. “They entered into negotiations willingly and we are hoping to work out a favorable deal soon.”

Since purchasing the Mead Westvaco plant, Acco is making major changes to the various facilities. The company is closing its facility in East Texas and moving its production of the Day-Timer brand planners and organizers to the Sidney facility, possibly adding significant jobs and other opportunities to the plant. SN

Acco in Sidney

Sidney Acco employees make Meade products like DayRunner

Over a century ago, when the labor movement began to aggressively promote union labeled

products to show buyers the difference that trained, skilled and dedicat-ed union workers make in product qual-ity the printing “bug” was already in widespread use. It’s difficult today, if not impossible, to find union labels on clothing, tools, toys and other everyday products, but that’s not true in printing.

For the most part printing con-tinues to be a service done by

Does Your Company Market Its Label?Proper Use of CWA-PPMWS Bug

No matter what size bug, 1. consistent to the size of the word LABEL add to the right the number assigned by the PPMWS Sector office of CWA HQ.In the bottom rocker panel 2. add the CITY and STATE where your shop is locat-ed. If the local who issues your label is in a different state, place the two letter state abbreviation then the city, state of your ship (i.e., NY-Atlantic City, NJ).

If your shop has no CWA dues-paying members, use of the CWA bug must cease immediately. SN

small, local businesses and it is the label that sets unionized shops in a class above the rest.

If your shop is not “marketing” its label to potential buyers

then it isn’t doing all it could do to bring in new business and

hold on to the reliable customers it has.

The label adds value to your printed pieces and it proclaims that the work in your shop is done by skilled union members work-ing for good wages under decent conditions as stipulated by a valid collective bargaining agreement. SN

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