By: Joe Strupp The Indianapolis News Guild, which is entering federal mediation next month with The Indianapolis Star on a new contract after rejecting a previous offer in June, is asking members to again wear red to show unity in front of a visiting Gannett executive.
In an e-mail to members late Monday, Guild President Tom Spalding urged rank-and-file staffers to wear red, or specific guild attire, for the Wednesday visit by Robert Dickey, president of Gannett's U.S. Community Publishing Division. Spalding made a similar request last week for a meeting with Star Publisher Michael Kane.
"As we prepare for labor negotiations to resume Aug. 6-7, another
opportunity is before you to show a united display of our presence ...
and would reinforce to the executives here in Indy and in McLean, Va.
that Indianapolis News Guild 34070 is a force to be dealt with!" the e-mail stated. "PLEASE wear your lanyards, hats, red shirts and other red attire to show your support for the Guild and sit together as a group this Wednesday, July 22!"
The e-mail later adds: "It's even more important that you show your colors than it was last week for Star Publisher Michael Kane's presentation. Dickey is president of Gannett's U.S. Community Publishing Division and the buck next stops with him!"
The call for unity follows a recent company-wide layoff of some 1,400 employees by Gannett. Those resulted in the loss of 14 guild members at the Star, including guild secretary Sylvia Halladay.
Spalding has revealed that the company's latest proposal includes a 12% salary cut and a two-year salary freeze. The first mediation session is set for Aug. 6.
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