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San Francisco Labor & Workers

Chronicle Pressmen receive strong support from labor community

by Sandra Butler

Mon, Jul 18, 2005 5:57PM

Frustrated by stalled negotiations with the Hearst Corporation, San Francisco Web Pressmen & Prepress Workers Union Local 4N held a rally in front of the Chronicle building at 5th and Mission on Monday, July 11, 2005

The Hearst/Chronicle proposals submitted to the various Chronicle unions whose contracts expired on July 1, 2005 include provisions for the Chronicle to dramatically reduce wages, outsource work, eliminate each union’s jurisdiction by allowing non-union employees to do union work side by side with union members, and create a two tier condition for wages and benefits. Despite the outrageous demands, the unions all agreed to enter into bargaining.

But, according to representatives of Local 4N, the Hearst Corporation is refusing to bargain in good faith. Their unwillingness to engage in serious discussion with union representatives brought the issue to the streets where many members of the bay area’s labor community showed their support.

§Denis Mosgofian

by Sandra Butler

Mon, Jul 18, 2005 5:57PM

Local 4N member Denis Mosgofian was a driving force in organizing the rally.

§Richard Valle, Denis Mosgofian, Howard Wallace

by Sandra Butler

Mon, Jul 18, 2005 5:57PM

Union City Councilman Richard Valle, Denis Mosgofian listen as San Francisco Labor Council Vice President of Community Affairs Howard Wallace addresses the rally. “It’s a titanic struggle,” said Wallace, “This local is one of the most militant and together locals in the State. I hope they can unite all the newspaper locals in California.”

§art and music

by Sandra Butler

Mon, Jul 18, 2005 5:57PM

The rally was not without music, art or humor. The company wants to impose a no strike/no solidarity/no sympathy clause in addition to massive wage cuts, elimination of benefits and unsuitable working conditions.

§bandstand

by Sandra Butler

Mon, Jul 18, 2005 5:57PM

Union members Tom Price --- drums --- and Jon Fromer --- vocals and guitar provided art and entertainment as well as information about their predicament.

§San Francisco Labor Council Executive Director Tim Paulson

by Sandra Butler

Mon, Jul 18, 2005 5:57PM

San Francisco Labor Council Executive Director Tim Paulson supported the protest with words of solidarity. Although Local 4N is a small local with only 500 members, many leaders in the labor community took the mic in solidarity.

§Poster and John Moran

by Sandra Butler

Mon, Jul 18, 2005 5:57PM

Frank Vega was hired by the Chronicle because of his union busting tactics, a fact pointed out by the demonstrators. He wants to cut workers’ wages by more than $10/hour and refuses to negotiate.

§John Moran

by Sandra Butler

Mon, Jul 18, 2005 5:57PM

Machinists Local 1414 Business Representative John Moran spoke while Veda was hanged in effigy. “The corporations in the world don’t want to provide wages, benefits and conditions of employment that are necessary for workers to survive,” said Moran. Indeed, union busting seems to have top priority on both Bush and Schwarzenegger’s agendas.

§Denise D'anne

by Sandra Butler

Mon, Jul 18, 2005 5:57PM