Boston Guild Leader: Union Will 'Adapt and Change'

By: Joe Strupp Boston Newspaper Guild President Dan Totten says he remains "proud and honored" to serve as the guild's leader during these difficult times, adding that the union will "adapt and change" to keep The Boston Globe going.

He also noted The New York Times Co. has made many "misjudgments and mistakes" about the guild?s resolve.

Totten made the comments in an e-mail to E&P Thursday as he prepares to resume negotiations with the paper over proposed concessions on Monday. The two sides last met on Tuesday and agreed to resume discussions next week.

The guild rejected a concession package 10 days ago that included an 8.4% salary cut, a week-long furlough and the elimination of lifetime job guarantees for some 400 employees. That sparked the newspaper to implement a 23% salary cut this week.

The concessions are aimed at cutting $10 million in spending by the Globe, which is owned by The New York Times Co. The company has also begun to seek buyers for the paper.

Calls to the New York Times Co. for comment were not immediately returned.

Totten?s entire e-mail is below:

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The Boston Newspaper Guild talks with NYT/Globe are ongoing. I remain proud and honored to serve and represent such an incredible group of people as the Boston Newspaper Guild members, their opinions, input and wisdom has been a vital source of strength for all of us through these trying times.

The NYT has made many misjudgments and mistakes about the strength, character and resolve of the members of the Boston Newspaper Guild throughout the "negotiations."

We all understand the nature of the industry during this difficult national/international economic crisis, however --it's the professionalism of the Boston Newspaper Guild journalists, sales reps, security guards, nurses, return room workers, advertising and editorial designers, copy editors, sales and production coordinators and so many more who continue to make The Boston Globe the leader in print and electronic news media throughout New England and the U.S. -- we WILL adapt and change to industry needs -- while maintaining the finest media quality and standards throughout the world.

It's important to note the overwhelming support the Boston Newspaper Guild has received from readers, advertisers, Boston and New England communities and our News Media labor brothers and sisters nationwide -- their unwavering support has been nothing short of amazing.

Sincerely
Dan Totten