Revised Letter to LA Times Advertisers

Dear Respected Los Angeles Times Advertiser,

We are the Graphic Communications Conference/International Brotherhood of Teamsters (GCC/IBT); we represent the pressroom employees at the Los Angeles Times. The employees voted by a majority to be represented by the GCC/IBT in negotiating a "Collective Bargaining Agreement" with the Los Angeles Times.

Negotiations began m November 1ST 2007 with no significant progress and as of this date, we arrived at the conclusion that the LA Times management bargaining committee has absolutely no desire to negotiate fairly with its workers and our union.

We understand that all newspapers are currently struggling in this economic environment, but so are its workers. This newspaper continues to generate a profit, yet we gave concessions in the range of 1.8 million dollars last month. The employees do care deeply about the LA Times and are proud of their ability to produce one of the finest newspapers in the world for both the subscribers and advertisers.

This letter is to advise you, an L. A. Times advertiser, that the GCC/IBT and its members may exercise their right under the National Labor Relations Act which includes the right to peacefully gather to distribute handbills in front of your establishment and ask your customers not to buy your product because you advertise in the LA Times. We will not picket or interfere with access to your establishment or otherwise act in a disruptive manner in the course of handbilling.

This is certainly not what we would prefer to do, but this is a decision that the company is forcing their employees to consider making. We want the LA Times to respect its workers and more importantly, recognize their contribution in providing your business advertising the quality printing you and your customers deserve.

The new owner wants nothing more than for them to continue to give up wages and benefits in an effort to increase profits. Their households cannot afford to continue to make these sacrifices any longer.

We are asking for your company's support. Please show your support by contacting the Publisher, David Hiller and ask him to obey the federal law and negotiate in good faith.

Sincerely,
Marty Keegan,
GCC/IBT Lead Organizer