Totten looks ahead

Just received an email sent earlier today by Boston Newspaper Guild head Dan Totten, whose non-rejection rejection of the Times Co.'s recent contract offer was validated by his membership yesterday.

No surprise that the Guild is working to stop imposition of that 23-percent pay cut, or that they're trying to get the Times Co. back to the bargaining table asap. Totten's desire to continue mobilizing public opinion on the Guild's behalf did surprise me a bit, largely because previous efforts in that department have seemed a bit clunky. That said, if April's Save-the-Globe rally at Faneuil Hall convinced even a handful of Guild members to vote "No" instead of  "Yes" yesterday, it may have been a game-changer. So why not?

Dear Boston Newspaper Guild member;

Last night the Boston Newspaper Guild told the New York Times Company and Globe management that they must do better. With our vote, we aid we will not be bullied and that punitive attacks on our livelihoods will not be tolerated. That vote was the beginning of a process that we hope quickly leads to a fair and livable agreement on benefits and wages.

I promise that all of you will be alerted promptly and regularly to all steps being taken toward this end. In the past all Guild
members have made tremendous sacrifices, such as now being in the 4th year of a wage freeze for the good of the Boston Globe.The BNG has conveyed to the NYT / Globe that we continue to be willing to make sacrifises for the good of the company, but those sacrifices must be reasonable.The NYT / Globe also must be willing to finally give their fair share. Let me assure you that myself and all members of the Executive Committee will do everything in our power to prevent you from enduring the crippling financial hardship of a 23 percent pay cut.

First, we are meeting today with legal counsel to determine the fastest means of delaying or preventing the New York Times Company from punishing our members with this extreme and drastic measure;

Second, we are mobilizing the strong support, concern and influence of New Englanders who appreciate and support the work you do, and who will not stand idly by while the New York Times attempts to destroy one of this nation's great news organizations;

Third, we are making arrangements to meet as quickly as possible with the New York Times Co. to begin work toward a realistic and fair agreement on wages, benefits and work rules that we believe can be endorsed by this union leadership and passed by all our members.

Whether you were a 'yes' vote or a 'no' vote yesterday, today we are a union speaking with one voice against the outrageous tactics of the New York Times.

In Unity,

Dan Totten