The TNG Sector Conference was held June 19 and 20 in Washington DC and was attended by 110 delegates from 38 locals around the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Regognizing the extremely challenging times our industry is currently undergoing, this year’s theme was “Charting the future – navigating treacherous waters” and offered workshops on such things as alternative ownership models, bargaining during concessionary times and new beginnings in organizing.
Local 36047 was represented by Business Representative Shannon Duffy, First VP David Carson and P-D Unit Chair Deni Fleming. Their time was spent not only in workshops but in meetings with other local’s members comparing notes and discussing what works – and what doesn’t – in those locals.
Two items in particular received quite a bit of attention from the delegates. First - the recent ESOP acquisition in Portland, Maine – concerned actual history in the making; while the second - a proposed constitutional amendment to change the name of our union from The Newspaper Guild to The Media Guild – offered a nice distraction into theatre.
Members from the Portland local were in attendance and, although they took a cut in pay in order to bring the ESOP about, they were enthusiastic about being in charge of their own destiny. More details about their endeavor can be found on TNG’s website.
A real ruckus ensued when the amendment to change the Guild’s name hit the floor. After hearing arguments about why our name should be more broad and able to attract workers in new media, member after member took the floor and spoke out against the motion, claiming that the word “newspaper” was iconic and held a special meaning.
After a while, someone (who, I’m pretty sure works in a newsroom) amended the motion to read that our new name become “The News Guild,” explaining that we should always have the word “news” in our name and besides, “that way we’d still be TNG.” This produced even more discussion (arguing) and, after a while, it seemed like we were going to become “The News Guild.” I must say that I was proud of our local’s new vice president, David Carson, when he rose to speak against changing our name to the News Guild, stating that it was even more narrow than our current name and he asked those in attendance what he was supposed to say to his sisters and brothers who work in advertising. “This name excludes them,” he pointed out.
In the end a motion was made to table the proposed amendment and all voted in favor. So – for the time being – we’re still TNG, The Newspaper Guild.
There was a great deal of discussion regarding financial matters – both at the national and local level – and resolutions concerning bargaining, organizing, training and education and support of various legislative proposals (Employee Free Choice Act and a National Shield Law) were also voted on and affirmed.