01 November 2006

Newly elected Local president
takes over smooth operation

Windsor Typographical Union | TNG Canada Local 30553

Things are running smoothly at the Windsor Typographical Union and that's just the way the new president would like to keep it.

Doug Cowan emerged the winner in a Local election on Oct. 26, defeating James Montagano 33-16. Montagano, who had been vice-president of the Local, stepped in as interim president after Randy Morgan resigned the position earlier this year.

The 59 members of the Local work as mailers and hopper feeders at The Windsor Star. With the election being held on the shop floor, voter turnout was 86 per cent.

Cowan, 42, who has worked at the Star since 1985 and became chairman of the Local in January, handling day-to-day matters in the workplace (similar to a shop steward), is looking forward to being at the helm.

He says he plans to hold a general membership meeting on Nov. 19. The first order of business will be to call for nominations for a new chairman.

"There are no serious issues (such as grievances or arbitrations) confronting the Local at the moment, so I hope to keep things smooth," says the new president.

Other members of the current executive include: Brian Beaumont, vice-president (acclaimed to the position at a membership meeting in late September); Mario Dionisi, treasurer; and Patrick Nanni, secretary.