Mark Kurtich is like us, he answers to his boss, as we do, so redirect your anger to the publisher, or better yet, the CEO of Tribune. The Internet is the real culprit here, taking subscribers away in droves, and advertisers as well.
Advertising revenue was down another one percent for the Tribune Company last month, so if the company does nothing, it could end up as many companies have, in bankruptcy court. With the creditors dividing all the assets of the company to satisfy the negative cash flow.
I cannot see the point in having another union election at the Times, what can the union do for us?
Ask the printers at the New York Times how the union saved their jobs, or better yet, the printers at the San Francisco Chronicle, and the printers that once produced the Daily Breeze.
We all know what happens when Dean Singleton buys a newspaper, everyone is handed a pink slip in one hand, and a job application in the other. And most of the newspapers he has purchased are union papers.
The union supporters have said they want a contract that will guarantee certain criteria the new owners of the Los Angeles Times will be forced to honor, do you really think the company would agree to such demands?
I will be voting no when the union election arrives, as I hope you will.
Hi Ed Years ago you came to my house talking pro union. I respect your VOTE NO. I also am a VOTE NO OC OPERATOR.let your blog readers know why a change of thoughts. Really what can the union do for us another payroll leak.Common sense guys dont complicate it.VOTE NO happy and making a good wage.Hope the new owners grandfather some of the great benefits we have compared to other pressrooms in CALIF.
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to older people no to show interest in what might be salvageable. Of course, you are old enough to accept a buy out or retirement. What about us, that have a few more years to go? Selfishness is part of human nature, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteNo not old enough to retire or leave. Just wise enough to accept the way business works. And very grateful for our workplace.Once the presses are running it makes work fun and easy smooth runs no web breaks great job. VERY GRATEFUL
ReplyDeleteunfortunately the "assignees and successors" clause isn't worth the paper it's written on. You might as well blow your nose with the contract because a new owner, if they desire will get around that.
ReplyDeleteAhhh I love it fear it's the one thing that separates the .... well you know the story as for the " assignees and successors clause " go talk too a judge
ReplyDeleteand see if you know what the hell your talking about ( which I doubt ) All professional players have that in their contract in case they get traded
Ed, As the first comment stated, you once supported the union and you were forced by management to take down your "Pro-Union" website, and you did. I respect your change of opinion but wonder if you changed it willingly, or the Company changed it for you. Are your comments for your peers to read...or management?
ReplyDeleteThere is a majority of supporters who have the courage to stand up for our Trade and our future and they deserve the security and stability that ONLY a "Collective Bargaining Agreement" will provide!
The Newsday contract that we provided contained the "Successors and Assigns clause under section 29 to PROVE that the contract is "Legally Binding" no matter who takes control of the company.
Tribune had to honor the contacts that Times Mirror had negotiated with their newspapers prior to the merger that lead to all of our cuts and losses.
The 1996 contract that expired this year contained that same clause and that is why Tribune has NEVER been able to do to them what they have done to us!
The Newsday contract that was provided to all of you was negotiated early at the behest of Tribune.
The Union agreed to open negotiations early and negotiated a 4 year contract with a $25,000.00 signing bonus and wage increases with cash incentives. They know exactly what they will receive each year of their contract. They also get their wage increase in January NOT after the first quarter!
The MAIN reason for wanting "Union Representaion" is to eliminate our "AT WILL" employee status! That is why we are vulnerable to every action the Company takes against us!
You sign "Contracts" all the time! When you bought your house, your car, even your cell phone! You buy insurance for all those items as well as others.
A contract is to protect both parties interest in the business relationship and insures each parties compliance and performance.
We have absolutely nothing in writing to protect our Trade our future. All the power and control over our shops is in their hands.
That is why I have continually said "Take responsibility for all that has happened and for your future as well" We have no one to blame but ourselves for allowing management to steamroll our shops.
Stop them the only way possible, with a "Collective Bargaining Agreement" VOTE YES!
What's in this for you Ronnie??? you spend a hell of a lot of time on this. Are you being compensated by the union in any way?????
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else find it funny that this individual, who has his own web site, chooses to post on this one? Even though the union filed their petition, his site is amazingly quiet.
ReplyDeleteI guess his Teamster "handlers", who are directing his every move, have decided when and where he can talk.
anonymous ( from top down ...just to make sure ) 7 # & 8# same ass ranting and raving about a person on a personal level.When they ( antiunion ) cant back up with facts all they can do is attack & make false accusations
ReplyDeleteon a fellow pressmen