01 August 2003

Stratford local mulls merger
with Kitchener counterpart

Beacon Herald of Stratford | TNG/CWA Local 30139
La-Z-Boy | TNG Canada Local 80400

Guild workers at The Beacon Herald of Stratford will consider on Aug. 18 whether to merge their dwindling local with a larger one in nearby Kitchener, Ont.

The membership of TNG/CWA Local 30139 (editorial, composing and mailroom) plunged from more than 50 to fewer than 30 after the family-owned newspaper was taken over by Sun Media (Bowes Publishing) four years ago.

Meanwhile, the 400-strong Local 80400, which represents employees at La-Z-Boy about half an hour's drive down Hwy. 7-8, was flourishing. It's the nearest and largest Guild local in the area.

President Steve Rice says the notion of a merger first arose about a year ago when it became a struggle to find members willing to take on executive positions. At present, two newsroom employees comprise the executive: himself and secretary-treasurer Diana Loveless. She, says Rice, "has thankfully remained in the position without a replacement."

Rice had taken over as president from the newsroom's Donal O'Connor, "who provided great leadership during the difficult years following the sale of the company."

With no one volunteering to replace the secretary-treasurer, who had resigned, TNG Canada Staff Rep Dave Esposti put forward the idea of enlisting the aid of Local 80400, says Rice.

The beleaguered president met early this year with his Kitchener counterpart, Chris Grogan, to talk about the possibility of a merger. In the spring, Grogan was an observer at bargaining sessions between the Local and the Beacon Herald, which were led by Esposti.

In June, the two met to explore with Esposti his merger proposal, which will be discussed at the August meeting of the Stratford membership. If the response is positive, a vote will be held at a later date.

Rice is confident the members will recognize the obvious benefits: "Local 30139 will cease to exist, but ensures its survival by becoming part of a larger, stronger local that participates actively within TNG/CWA."

Under the proposal, Rice would become Chief Steward of the Stratford Unit within Local 80400. He would continue to deal with management on any matters regarding the collective bargaining agreement. Kitchener's executive would take on the duties Local 30139 has been unable to fulfil. Esposti, who is experienced in newspapers, would continue to represent the unit in future contract negotiations.