Union members at Standard & Poor’s told Guild negotiators we want a quicker settlement than in the last round of negotiations when it took more than a year to reach an agreement.

That message was made crystal clear when New York Newspaper Guild President Barry Lipton and Local Representative Bob Townsend came to 55 Water Street Wednesday, October 18, to discuss the upcoming negotiations at a jam-packed membership meeting.

Townsend and Unit Chairperson Ed Fannon had made an appearance at President Street earlier in the day to get input about the upcoming talks.

Speaking in a crowded conference room on the 13th Floor at Water Street, Lipton assured our members that the S&P unit, the second largest in the New York Guild, is very important to the Local. Barry noted that Townsend, an accomplished negotiator, will be the spokesperson, but that he will be ready to step in if needed.

Our members said they thought it is important that talks don’t drag on as they did in negotiations for the current pact, but stressed the fact that doesn’t mean they’re looking for a cheap settlement.

Fannon announced the Negotiating Committee. In addition to Townsend and himself, the committee will include Brian McGuire of Facilities and Services Management; Marilyn Bissell, Cash Systems; Peter Burke, Ratings Information Services; Leo Larkin, Analytical Department; John Matis, Data Operations; Dorothy Madison, Subscriber Services – Circulation Fulfillment, and Caheim Murray, Mail Services.

Townsend is in the process of developing proposals based on information we gave him in the surveys and at the meetings. The talks are expected to begin early in November.

# # # # # # #