Fighting the Attack on GOOD JOBS: Printing Local Expands Jobs

At a time when other major printers have abandoned U.S. production facilities, MeadWestvaco has solidified its commitment to the Sidney, N.Y., area.

Building on that commitment, in July, CWA Printing Sector Local 14164 and MeadWestvaco forged a breakthrough agreement that actually expands full-time and part-time employment at the plant while allowing the company to bring in temporary personnel over the "maximum allowed" in the contract during peak production periods. The agreement calls for no fewer than 25 new full-time jobs. The local currently represents about 900 workers.

Under the terms, the company may temporarily exceed the allowable hours temporary employees may work when the workload peaks.

"Both union and management representatives recognized the growing concern of imported products from competitors and the possibility of outsourcing. Both sides worked diligently towards a solution, were committed to preserving the work in Sidney, N.Y., and made a thorough effort to protect the work and everyone involved," said Local President Virginia England.

In the past decade, printed material imported from overseas has doubled annually, while in the U.S. the overall volume of commercial printing has declined as digital technology has replaced many traditional ink-on-paper products.

MeadWestvaco's At-A-Glance calendars, address books, personal planners, composition books and legal pads are displayed in retail stores alongside similar products from China, Canada and Mexico.

The Sidney plant's parent company is one of the world's largest paper manufacturers and form printers. Some 25,000 of its 30,000 employees are in the U.S. and many of the rest are in Canada.

"We haven't seen a lot of employment growth here in recent years and when management agrees to commit to adding no fewer than 25 new jobs, that's a big deal. Both sides worked very hard on this," CWA Representative Dan Wasser said.

The company, which started life in the 1920s in New York City, has been operating from its Sidney locale since 1946. The company's At-A-Glance calendars and other business products are often purchased in personalized bulk orders imprinted with the CWA typographical union label.

CWA members at MeadWestvaco are still printing calendars and personal planners after Local 14164 achieved a breakthrough agreement.