September 4, 2002

 

Future Shock: McGraw Targets

 Mailroom and Maintenance

For Possible Outsource

 

Up to 40 Guild Jobs May Be Affected

 

John Gillen, S&P’s Senior Director of Workforce Initiatives, has confirmed to the Guild that McGraw-Hill has retained efficiency experts to see if they can save money (and goose up the bottom line) by trimming or outsourcing the mailroom and maintenance departments at Standard & Poor’s 55 Water Street location. The employees of these two departments have been represented by the Guild since the 1940s, and it goes without saying that we are incensed that the company would even think of such a move.

            Regarding McGraw-Hill’s exploration into possible outsourcing, Steve Zavatski Guild Local Representative for S&P made this observation, “In an economy where corporations are scaling back in an attempt just to stay afloat, it is the Guild’s position that any attempt by S&P’s parent company to make themselves look better on paper at the expense of S&P employees and their families, would be viewed as a classic example of corporate greed, given the fact that S&P is doing well by today’s standards. Any possibility of putting people out into the street is not going to reflect kindly upon McGraw-Hill’s image.  If this is attempted, it would be devastating to some of S&P’s most loyal and longtime employees.” 

The Guild will continue to stay on top of the situation and will fight any such attempt at outsourcing.

 

GOOD NEWS CONCERNING LAYOFFS 

Two months ago, we reported that S&P planned to eliminate four jobs – three in Brooklyn and one here at 55 Water St. – effective August 30, 2002.  Through many hours of hard work and with a great amount of cooperation from Human Resources, the Guild is pleased to report that all affected were offered positions that were in compliance with the Guild contract. 

CAFETERIA REBIRTH 

            As you know, this spring some 5,000 Chase employees moved out of 55 Water Street. The building owner has tried to keep the cafeteria open, but because of dwindling patronage, that is no longer a viable option.  So, the cafeteria will close for good after business Friday, September 13th. 

Sensing the impending closing of the 13th floor cafeteria, the Guild addressed the possibility of losing the eatery with management. We are now pleased to report that employees will have convenient access to another source of gastronomic delight. Java City will open on the lobby level on September 17th. The vendor will offer coffee and breakfast fare as well as soups, sandwiches and salads to go. In April of 2003, a new full service cafeteria is scheduled to open.

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09/04/02