Support for Globe Workers in Advance of Critical Meeting

Loyal Globe Readers Call on New York Times Company to Treat Workers Fairly as Union, Company Set to Meet

BOSTON, June 15 /PRNewswire/ – As leaders of the Boston Globe’s largest union prepare to meet with the New York Times Company today, Globe readers continue their outpouring of support for Globe workers and the institution’s vital mission of journalism and free speech. Readers across New England who signed on to help “Save The Boston Globe” have expressed their hope that the New York Times Company will reach an agreement that treats Globe workers fairly.

“I commend the Boston Globe workers for the sacrifices they have made,” said Anastasia Sakellaris of Lowell. “I plead with the New York Times Company to realize how lucky they are to have such great staff…and please remember the greater mission of saving newspapers and a free press that we all – readers, The Boston Globe staff, and the New York Times Company – have in common.”

Today marks a critical meeting between The Boston Newspaper Guild and the New York Times Company, as the Company is set to impose a 23 percent wage cut on nearly 700 Globe reporters, editors, advertising salespeople and other workers.

“Having independent investigative reporting on local events is imperative to the health of our community and our nation,” said Patricia Keville of Quincy. “I hope that the New York Times owners recognize this critical need and continue to support the Globe, its staff, and the news that they provide to the citizens of New England.”

Boston Newspaper Guild President Daniel Totten said the outpouring of support has been tremendous, with readers weighing in on everything from the Globe’s award winning reporting and sports coverage to the professionalism of workers in the face of such extreme uncertainty.

“We’re hopeful that the Company is willing to come back to the table,” said Totten. “And it’s very clear that Globe readers are hopeful, too. The sense of urgency is unquestionable. It’s time to reach an agreement that treats Guild members fairly.”

Last week, the Boston Newspaper Guild rejected an offer from the New York Times Company that would have meant deep and permanent cuts to members’ salary and benefits representing an overall 23 percent reduction in total compensation.

“All Globe workers have a hand in producing this quality paper,” said Susan Fitzsimmons of Avon. “For once it would be refreshing for a company to do the right thing by their workforce.”

The Times Company’s alternative cost-saving measure – a straight 23 percent pay cut that is set to be implemented – will create an immediate and severe financial hardship for Guild members and their families.

“I believe the Boston Globe employees [are] what makes the company,” said Maribel Soto of Brockton. “Taking from the employees is like taking the passion from the story.”

But readers agree it’s not too late for the New York Times Company to reach an agreement with workers. Guild members represent the core business of the Globe by both creating the award-winning content and generating the company’s revenue.

“I ask the New York Times …[to] do the right thing and set an example,” said Kevin Olson of Topsham, Maine. “Leave the workers who make the Globe successful with a chance for decent living and fair retirement.”

The Boston Newspaper Guild gathered the testimonials from among the more than 4,000 readers who signed a “Save the Boston Globe” petition and who were asked to share their thoughts on the Globe and its workers.

About the Boston Newspaper Guild

The Boston Newspaper Guild (BNG -TNG/CWA local 31245) is the employee union for the Boston Globe newspaper. We proudly represent more than 700 employees including reporters, editors, page designers, advertising salespeople and advertising sales support persons, ad-designers, circulation managers, accountants, marketers and information technology specialists, security guards, shippers/receivers, nurses, secretaries, and more. Our members produce Pulitzer Prize-winning, nationally-acclaimed work for the daily and Sunday Boston Globe Newspaper. We are affiliated nationally with The Newspaper Guild (TNG) and the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

    Contact:
    Laura Wareck
    978-660-9587 (office)
    617-646-1037 (cell)
    lwareck@oneillandassoc.com

SOURCE The Boston Newspaper Guild