Providence Newspaper Guild - Guild Leader January 10, 2001

GUILD LEADER

Vol XIl, Issue 3

TNG/CWA Local 31041

January 10, 2001

JOURNAL - GUILD FORUM PROPOSED; DARRELL WEST
WOULD MODERATE

Would you like to go to a forum where Guild and company spokespersons explain their views of the current contract negotiations - and answer any questions you might have?

That's exactly the kind of forum the Guild has proposed.

In a letter to Howard G. Sutton, publisher of The Providence Journal, the Guild this week suggested such a session, which would be held at a neutral site, and moderated by a respected member of the community.

Darrell M. West, a Brown University political science professor, who is well known both within and outside of Rhode Island for his broad understanding of public issues, has agreed to serve as the moderator.

West's only condition: that the forum be exactly that, and that both sides agree to take part. He said he won't participate in a so-called "empty chair" sham session, featuring only one side.

The idea is a novel one. Labor negotiations usually are conducted by lawyers and other professionals, in sessions that are often piecemeal, technical and hard to follow. The kind of forum being suggested would allow an audience to listen to the issues in their overall context, and hopefully, in plain language.

The Guild's plan was suggested by a rank-and-file union member who said that he wanted to hear what both sides have to say on the many issues involving negotiations, with a chance for him to ask questions and compare the answers.

While the Guild has worked to explain its view of the bargaining, which began in October, 1999, the executive board believes that members would benefit from hearing both versions, first-hand.

FREE
LUNCHES CONTINUE
The Guild is holding a series of lunches this week and next to outline contract issues, and listen to views of union members.

The sessions - noon to 1 p.m. - are being held at the union's headquarters, 270 Westminster St. each weekday until the membership meeting Wednesday, Jan. 17.

Please come to ask questions or just to listen - and get a bite to eat at the same time. It's a chance to ask questions that may be hard to pose in a larger forum.

And an opportunity to get your views heard.

The Guild outlined the proposal in a letter hand-delivered to Mr. Sutton's office Monday, Jan. 8.

"We propose that the Guild and the company jointly sponsor this forum,splitting the costs of the hall and other expenses, and that we meet soon to discuss suitable ground rules. We trust that such a forum, conducted respectfully and openly, will inform both sides and help lead to a settlement of our differences," said the letter, signed by Bob Jagolinzer, Guild president.

West is director of Brown University's Taubman Center for Public Policy; and John Hazen White Sr., professor of political science and public policy. He is often quoted in the Journal and by national media, and has conducted opinion polls for the newspaper.