TNG-CWA Looks at Creative Strategies to Grow, Thrive

TNG-CWA leaders from across the country talk about the future of the Guild.

 

About 100 local TNG-CWA leaders from across the country met in Cleveland for three busy days focused on building an increasingly effective, efficient union that can survive and thrive as the media industry continues to evolve.

Discussion covered traditional and non-traditional organizing opportunities, as well as an extensive report on collective bargaining that looked at creative strategies for negotiations. The report was developed over the last year by local officers and staff.

Through local reports, participants shared other creative ideas for bargaining, organizing and mobilizing members, including activities that journalists can feel comfortable participating in without conflict of interest. For instance, Buffalo Guild President Henry Davis reported that the same weekend as the conference, his members were taking part in a community litter cleanup along the Buffalo River.

CWA District 4 Vice President Seth Rosen opened the conference, stressing the critical need to keep building a movement that fights for the 99 percent. He said Guild members are uniquely qualified to help in an important way: "You have an ability to communicate with people, that's what you do for a living, and that's what a lot of people struggle with. You can bring incredible strength to a growing movement."

TNG-CWA President Bernie Lunzer, noting that some Guild members have taken part in 99 Percent Spring training events in their communities, said the growing movement isn't about politics, but about fairness, equality and, with attacks on unions and protests, the freedom of association. "That is a First Amendment issue, and that's something we've always been concerned with in the Guild," Lunzer said.

The meeting was also an opportunity to recognize outstanding efforts by locals and members. The New York Guild, Philadelphia Guild and United Media Guild (St. Louis) won organizing awards, and the union's top honor, the Guild Service Award, went to Greg Kesich of the Portland (Maine) Guild. Kesich, one of three union members who sit on the company's board, played a key role in saving jobs, the Guild's contract and the Portland newspapers.