After a two-day desertification election at the Los Angeles Times Olympic Production Facility the workers soundly defeated the, alleged management-backed effort, to eliminate the GCC/Teamsters from the workplace.
One hundred twenty-five press room employees cast their ballots, out of one hundred and forty employees in the workplace, with eighty voting to continue with union representation, forty-four voting to flee the union, and one vote challenged and not counted.
At 5:45 p.m. yesterday I crossed paths with the senior vice president of production, Russ Newton, said hello to him with no response, as I looked into his face something didn’t seem right with him as he had a frown. I asked Mr. Newton “Are you alright Russ?” not even thinking about what was occurring within the workplace. He answered, “I’m fine”, but his body language gave away the direction of the desertification.
The Tribune Company uses the legal system to it’s advantage by delaying legal proceedings time and again, just look at all the delays in resolving the bankruptcy, which was filed on December 8, 2008 and doesn’t appear anywhere near reaching an end.
Desertification of our union was yet another hurdle throw in our paths by the Tribune Company to delay union contract negotiations, resolving the fifty-five grievances filed for unfair workplace violations, and allowing the non-dues paying employees some hope they will not be forced to pay their dues on December 2, 2011.
As we move forward I urge all union supporters to begin building bridges of communication with our non-supporters, burning our bridges now will haunt us in the future.
Friday, June 10, 2011
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2 comments:
There are times that you agree to disagree, but there is no one who can argue with the stand that you do what is best for you and yours. No matter how the future looks there is always place and time-- this is the place and now is the time-- both for a union and for the company. Life is way too short not to get along. Congrats on the vote. LONG live choice; life, liberty, and the American way!
Here, here, I agree and hope that the Company and their Representatives share your sentiment. We in the Union did not pick this fight, but if we didn't fight back when we did, we would have lost so much more and not be in the position we are now to make the necessary improvements we deserve.
To our colleagues in the mailroom, machine shop, electical shop and newsprint handling; join us to improve the working conditions in all of our respective shops.
Congratulations once again, I am proud to call all of you my Brothers and Sisters!
Fraternally and in Solidarity,
Ronnie Pineda
President,
GCC/IBT Local 140-N
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