Tribune Company Bonuses to Managers

Los Angeles Times Pressmens 20 Year Club: Tribune Company Bonuses to Managers

Wake up, this is insane......"The payouts will be between $21.5 million to $66.7 million, with 9 of the top 10 executives dividing $3.1 million among themselves".

What the F**k is "Incentivizing"? Is that even a word? Did Tribune hire Don King and Mike Tyson to write their memos? I understand the corporate drive to dumb down America but give us a break!

Screw their incentives,the average Joe's and Jane's incentive is to keep their F****N jobs!

Maybe if this company was flourishing and making a profit consisting of new money, rather than by dumping their "partners" bodies by the road to save the overhead they were viewed as, the notion of bonuses would probably go un-noticed. But that is definately not the case here.

If Tribune was true to a "performance based" bonus system, the recipients would receive absolutely nothing because that is what has been done to turn this once great newspaper around, absoulutely nothing!

This kind of news should really piss off anyone that continues to work for Tribune as well as those that have become lay-off victims of Zell's "alledged" Partnership.

These bonuses should be viewed as ROBBERY! CUT,CUT,CUT, POCKET THE SAVINGS! It's no wonder why this company is in F****N bankruptcy. All these corporations tanking, filing for bankruptcy, laying off workers and then they have the f****n gall, with permission from the courts,to line their pockets with bonuses that were"alledgedly" earned prior to the bankruptcy. How the hell did they earn bonuses when the company continues to plummet, taking quality reporters and long time employees along with it?

If they did indeed earn these bonuses, explain how they earned the money they are due to receive. Has their contribution at least yielded profits exceeding the amount that will be going into their accounts? I doubt it!When the hell will all of the pompus, greedy, incompetents be forced to share in the misery they create instead of placing it on the backs of the hard working employees of the Los Angeles Times?

What happened to the "Partnership" you spoke of so many times Sam? I guess we're only partners when you're being sued! How could we not be when Tribune pays your legal expenses!

Sam, how's about sending some of that bankruptcy bonus dough down stream to the people who actually do the work. Did the ESOP Board Of Trustees ask the Employees if this was O.K.? What, they didn't?

I'm gonna go puke now, this makes me F****N SICK!

Employee B"owned" Since 2oo8.Zell Failing Properties, All Rights Reserved (for Mgt only.)

Six Pressmen Recalled To Work

There have been murmurings lately that there would be several of our brothers returning to work. Well, this week 6 people with the highest seniority of the 63 recently departed were notified by the company that their services are once again needed.

This was welcome news to those involved that I have spoken with.Our Local was officially informed by management last week that there would be a need to recall 6 pressmen at this time. the recall of the 6 is unprecedented considering no one has ever come back after being let go? This recall is a direct result of, and in compliance with the recall language of our contract. What would the company have been able to do had we not negotiated recall? Our contract guarantees recall for nine (9) months from the last day of employment. The current recall period for the remaining 57 expires in January 2010.

I am personally very happy for the 6 brothers that are being asked to return of which four have already responded to the company. The other two have until August 3,2009 to respond or the company has the right to go to the next name on the seniority list. That is why we have an "APB" out for Mike Norman, he is the only person we have yet to reach. Messages have been left and we were informed he is on vacation, so we will continue to attempt to notify Mike until we reach him.

The six returning pressmen are tentatively scheduled to return on August 24,2009. I hope to learn where these 6 brothers will be assigned and whether this will result in any transfers between facilities soon.We welcome the opportunity to print any product the company can negotiate to print and hope to see the return of many more, if not all of our brothers and sisters.

CONTRATULATIONSix!

President Pineda

Another Reason To Support The Employee Free Choice Act.

When An Angel Goes Home

It's unfortunate to lose a famous celebrity that you grew up with, but to lose two in a day is unusual. Michael Jackson's death received almost all the news coverage yesterday and I felt that Farrah Fawcett's struggle with cancer was courageous, inspiring and also heartbreaking.

If you happened to watch the recent documentary detailing her cancer treatments both here and abroad, you would definitely question your own ability to survive. While watching her suffer, I could feel the pain.

Who will ever forget that hair and smile.

She was the worlds most famous Angel and now she is God's angel once again. May she Rest in Peace.

140-N News

I have launched the GCC/IBT Local 140-N members blog at http://www.gccibtlocal140n.blogspot.com/ and will send invites to all members I have e-mail addresses for. If you would like an immediate invite or have not provided your e-mail address to the local, please do so in order to gain access to the new site.

You can send your request and e-mail address to admin@saveourtrade.com by clicking on the link to launch your e-mail program.

Also, as a reminder, Los Angeles E-Board Member Mike Brierley created an e-mail account for our Local and members to ask questions or seek assistance from your Executive Board.
The e-mail address is local140n@yahoo.com We will quickly respond so don't hesitate to utilize this communication tool to get help and answers.

I requested Journeyman Cards from the International for all of our members and they have been ordered and are currently being created. I received Journeyman Certificates for all members from the International last week. Should any of our members decide to relocate and seek employment in a union shop, the card will give the cardholder priority in job placement for any available positions. I anticipate receiving the cards shortly and will deliver them as soon as they arrive. We will most likely mail them to your homes so be sure that the Local has your current mailing information.

We are wasting time and money everyday we fail to take action in relation to the Interlocal Pension Fund. A golden opportunity is being allowed to sit on the back burner and we are losing money by not making a decision on participation. Please review the April 22nd Post by clicking on the link and visit the ILPF website or call the ILPF to get immediate answers to your questions. I would like to invite ILPF Chairman John Agenbroad back out to meet with everyone who did not take the opportunity to meet him in April. This is probably the most important thing to do for your future considering there is no longer a viable retirement vehicle offered by the company. Time is money, will you have enough when you retire? If you are already interested in the Plan let us know by using the local140n@yahoo.com e-mail and let us know what percentage you would be interested in investing monthly. We are trying to determine an average percentage to arrive at an amount that would be comfortable for all participants to vote on. We first need to vote on participation in the Plan so hurry up and do your homework. Your in shop representatives have literature on the plan as well, all you have to do is ask.

NON-MEMBER MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT:
It's never too late to apply for membership, just ask a shop steward or E-Board Member for an application. I have heard all of the complaints, which mostly come from the critics and suggest that you join and get involved. Only Members may attend meetings, vote and run for Office in our Local. Don't get mad, get involved.

SPECIAL REPORT: Facing Pay Cuts, Furloughs to Avoid Layoffs

By Joe Strupp

Published: June 05, 2009

11:00 AM ET

NEW YORK When owners of The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News asked guild members last fall to give up a $25-per-week raise, most were agreeable to the idea. Shelly Richards, a member of the Philadelphia Newspaper Guild executive board and an advertising customer services employee, says they all knew the company was in dire straits, with ad revenue and circulation plummeting.

The guild members voted to defer the raise, but they were mostly glad to do it, Richards says. A sense of shared pain for the rank and file pushed the point home. "If you look around the country, people are being asked to sacrifice for the greater good," she notes. "People felt they were doing it in that sense."But in March, a bombshell dropped. Word spread that company executives had received bonuses of between $150,000 and $300,000, in addition to pay raises. While the raises were eventually returned, the bonuses have not been given back. The fallout was predictably harsh among guild members.

"My reaction was sadness, disappointment and disgust," says guild leader Richards. "People were angered and upset. Based on what happened, we will be very careful to agreeing to anything we surrender." Now, she adds, "There is no sense of comfort with management."

The Philly brass aren't the only ones accused of being disingenuous. Journal Register Company, which has filed for bankruptcy protection, in April heard objections from Pennsylvania and Connecticut state officials to a plan to give its executives $1.7 million in bonuses. The Pennsylvania-based company also owns several Connecticut newspapers.In short, the mood among newspaper staffs is grim.

Already cut to the bone in many cases, newsrooms across the country are now seeing fewer layoffs and more requests to give up some compensation. In just the past few months, the number of newspapers and whole chains instituting unpaid furloughs, salary cuts, and freezes on retirement funds has skyrocketed. Gannett alone has already instituted two rounds of furloughs for this year, while Media General, Advance Publications, Lee Enterprises and various Media News Group outlets have also put them into effect. Belo and Morris Communications are cutting salaries or retirement matches.

Full story: SPECIAL REPORT By Joe Strupp

Severance Pay

I spoke with Russ yesterday inquiring as to when the Severance checks can be expected and Russ informed me that checks should be received within 21 days or less after submission of waiver and release forms. In the event that payment is not received within the 21 day time period, notify any union official and we will contact the company.

Ronnie

Lump Sum Payments

The Negotiated 2% Lump Sum payments will be on this weeks payroll. This is one of the benefits of our CBA especially when our peers at newspapers across the country are facing concessionary bargaining and more severe conditions. I certainly hope it comes at a time of opportunity and not a time of necessity.
Either way, Enjoy.

Ronnie

No Threats, Abundance of Lies.

The National Right to Work folks are being lied to by former Supervisor/ O.C. Operator, Lee Carey in the form of false accusations stating he is being threaten to join the union and pay full dues as covered in this potentially libelous article.

Los Angeles Times Employees Illegally Threatened with Lawsuit for Refusing to Pay Union Dues
"Illegal contract provides pretext for Teamster bosses to sue employees for not joining the union or paying dues"


First of all Lee has no concept of what a brotherhood is and has time and time again shown that Lee only cares about Lee and will betray a fellow pressperson in a heartbeat if it puts another buck in his pocket. Lee would never be forced to join our union and I personally would not have a problem with him never joining our Local. With that said, Lee, like everyone else in the pressroom is required under the "Legal" contract to pay dues, to which the Local can pursue "Legally" in small claims court when dues are in arrears, as Lee's and many others are. They too have received the same notification requesting remittance of payment to bring their dues current. The collection of dues began months ago and to date there are some, like Lee, that have not made a single dues payment.

Here is a quote from Stefan Gleason of the NRTW which is rooted in Lee's blatant lies:

“It’s bad enough that employees can be forced to pay union dues just to keep a job, but these thuggish tactics are completely uncalled for,” said Stefan Gleason, vice president of the National Right to Work Foundation. (End)

I encourage Stephan to read our contract and withdraw The ULP based on Lee's Lies.

Its not Stefans fault for believing Lee's Lies but Stefan should find out the facts about our contract and the facts about his deceptive client. Mr. Gleason's time would be better utilized by someone with a legitimate reason for his free assistance. So, Stefan, for your information, our Union Security Language does not make union membership or payment of dues a condition of employment and no one can be terminated for refusing to do either. I will excuse the "Thuggish" accusation because I realize as many others do, that the only thug in this whole song and dance is Lee himself. He has managed to maintain his favored status with management and still manipulates supervision that for some reason has never had the courage to stand up to his infantile tantrums, instead appease him at the financial expense of others in the pressroom. How many of you put your name in for overtime, wait for, and not get a call only to discover that some how Lee managed to work O.T. instead of you? Everyone in O.C. raise your hand.

Before Lee's friends at NRTW teach him another word like "mendacious" the question remains, why were no other former supervisors allowed to return to the floor after being in management for two or more years? Because they did not have an "Oral Agreement" as Lee puts it, with management. To this date no one but Lee and Kurtich know what that agreement was. How about elaborating on that Lee? Do you have any agreements with management now? Is that how you got an operator position after almost three years of not picking as an operator? What the hell is an "Operator assigned to the Training Dept" Lee feasted on overtime by having this title which he exclusively held and was not a bid position. Lee was allowed to pick his days off which were days that there was almost always overtime, because they had to call people who were off before the persons with the least amount of overtime.

Lee, you can't get your way for ever, I'm certain that when your friends at the national right to work discover your true character and the truth about your privileged working conditions, not to mention, YOUR LIES, they too will recognize you for the backstabber you are, and why we would never force you to join the union.

Lee, tell the truth, stop the mendacious lies, pay your dues and quit wasting everyones time. Might I suggest you use the 2% Lump Sum money you will be receiving at the end of the week to pay the balance owed and bring your dues current. I'm sure you won't need to be threatened or forced to accept the union negotiated "Lump Sum" money now will you? Didn't think so.

Ronnie Pineda

President,

GCC/IBT Local 140-N

Petition Dismissed

N.L.R.B. Regional Director Smalls has dismissed the petition for deauthorization. To view his complete decision, click here

Ronnie

Union Security and Our Contract

I just returned from the North American Newspaper Conference and was not surprised to here from the Union Delegates that represent employees at newspapers across the country deliver messages of dispair. There were reports of plant closures, wage and benefit concessions, furloughs and lay-offs to name a few.

I provided those that attended our meetings on Sunday May 15th with multiple articles highlighting examples I just described. I also attached the following letter to provide more information on the severance agreement and why the decision to withdraw our grievances and board charges was made. I decided to post the letter because I requested those members that attended share this information with everyone who still enjoys employment and some of the highest wages in the nation as a result of ratiying our contract. Read on.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
There appears to be no end in sight to the newspaper industry’s downward spiral, and in it’s wake are the families of men and women who have spent the better part of their lives serving their respective newspapers. We have not been insulated from this crisis and it should be considered foolish to think that we could have completely prevented it from affecting our shops.

With or without a Union there were going to be major changes in our pressrooms and there obviously have been. The question is what would those changes have been had we not organized? Our contract has assured that those with the highest seniority have the greatest protection in the event of layoffs. Remember, the company proposed layoffs by job performance and also by job classification. Management also proposed to introduce an 8 hour day, 40 hour work week at the current weekly wage rate, increasing the work week by 5 hours with no additional pay. There were many occasions in negotiations in which management pondered wage cuts, which we adamantly refused to even consider.

The Senior Vice President of Operations has on many occasions said that pressroom employees are overpaid and I have no doubt that had the contract not been ratified, his first move would have been to cut wages all across production. Let us not forget the rumor of reel tenders that would finally become a reality and eventually, part-timers would out number journey presspersons. Trust me, he is not, never has, and never will serve your interests.

Our decision to organize our shops can be viewed as both bad timing, and in my opinion, good timing. Let me explain, bad timing because the negotiating climate was hostile due to the economy, declining circulation, declining ad revenue, the terrible deal to sell Tribune to Sam Zell under the guise of a sham ESOP, and lastly, Sam’s ultimate decision to file bankruptcy. I still believe it was good timing because the agreements we reached remain binding.

There are still many of our peers that don’t realize what could have happened had we not ratified this contract and more importantly, what can happen if a de-authorization, or worse, a de-certification election were to be held and succeed. Had we not ratified this contract, with the bankruptcy filing, all the agreements we do have would be void and the company would have had the right to implement any changes they choose, including but not limited to those I described above.

I have heard many times, and agree, that a union is only as strong as its members, Vice President Keith Denson said it best when he asked “When did we stop being our brother’s keeper?” It is time once again to become your brother’s keeper and shed the “me” mentality because history has proven time and time again, United we Stand, Divided we Fall.

Those convictions are what led to the decision to accept a severance agreement that required us to withdraw our grievances and board charges. It was one of the most difficult and stressful decisions to make and anyone that disagrees with this decision is selfish at best. If the critics had their way 63 of your former colleagues would have no severance.

Selfishness is what drives the individuals that are promoting a de-authorization election. Let me begin by saying, these individuals are without a doubt working in concert with management simply because there is no possible way any of these people had a clue that this process existed. The petitioner has already been rewarded with an operator position and continues to steal overtime from those that signed his petition!

As members of this Local it is your responsibility to reveal his misdeeds and motives to discourage the signing of his petition. If an individual has already signed, you must convince them to ask to have it removed. Believe me, the potential for losses in amounts greater than the monthly dues will immediately follow should we fail to prevent this election and not have the financial resources to legally respond.

Management is fully aware of the people that sign, and don’t sign this petition and it only serves to show that they can exploit the language in the contract and use their management rights to break our local and remove any obligation to bargain.

Management has waged war on our local and ALL pressroom employees, not just those that support the union, and we have suffered numerous casualties because there has been reluctance to get involved and take a stand against a company that only takes care of their own (13 million in bonuses) at the expense of the now harder working men and women.

The following articles detail the state of the newspaper industry currently and should not be ignored because these are conditions we managed to hold at bay to some degree and will become inevitable unless we refocus and unify our Local.

IN SOLIDARITY,
RONNIE
(end)

'Boston Globe' Reaches Agreement With Six Unions, Pressures Guild
More Budget Cuts, Job Losses to Hit Detroit Dailies
'St. Cloud Times' Outsourcing its Printing
First Furloughs, Now Paid Vacation Accruals, Halted At Some MediaNews Papers
O.C. Register to print San Gabriel Valley Newspapers

MEETINGS RESCHEDULED

Several E-board members indicated that they were informed by quite a few of the members that the meetings scheduled for Monday May 11 were inconvienient and un-attendable, and it was suggested that Sunday would be better.

It is important that we have all members attend so the rescheduled date and time are as follows:

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Orange County

Round Table Pizza
11095 Warner Ave
Fountain Valley, CA 92708

11:00 am

Los Angeles

Shakey’s Pizza
2023 East Cesar E Chavez Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90033

3:00 pm

Re-Posted per Secretary Treasurer Linard Williams

Beck Laws2

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Non-fiction law healing

Secretary Treasurer, Linard Williams has asked that anyone who has not yet sent a letter requesting to be an "Agency Fee Payer" follow the instructions in the last paragraph of the second column. Linard has received requests directly and asks that they now be sent directly to the International Secretary Treasurer's office in Washington as instructed in the notice above.

Agency Fee payer status must be granted from the International and is not automatic upon submission of request. Until granted, dues are $60.00 per month.

Get The Facts!

General Meetings May 11 09

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

Severance for 63 Laid Off Pressroom Employees

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

The union and the company met yesterday to discuss severance for the recently laid off workers. The union accepted an enhanced version of the company’s last proposal offered in February.

Our decision to accept will undoubtedly draw fire from some people, but it was obviously the right thing to do based on the 63 workers who were laid off receiving nothing in the form of severance or consideration for years of service with the company. Therefore, the union and the company agreed to the following:

The 63 employees who were laid off will receive up to 12 weeks of severance pay with recall rights as outlined under the contract; the company did not agree to any benefit continuation.

In return the union agreed to withdraw all pending grievances and 4 of the 5 pending Unfair Labor Practice charges.

Again, we realize this will bring out some critics of the union, but we felt this was the right thing to do at this time, and to the critics of the union, you should consider this, did the company do the right thing by not agreeing to treat its union and non-union employees equally?

Fraternally,
Ronnie Pineda