August 23, 2006
Lyndon Stambler, an award-winning correspondent for PEOPLE Magazine in Los Angeles, was let go early in 2005. The Guild was convinced it was a result of his union activity and challenged the action in arbitration. During the arbitration, Lyndon’s case was settled. Lyndon wrote a farewell message to his friends and colleagues and we asked his permission to print it in an On Time.
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To my
friends and colleagues:
I wanted to write and tell you – some of you already know – that I have
decided to leave the company and take a settlement. Although I have mixed
feelings, I decided that taking a settlement was what was best for my family
and me.
I also wanted to let you know how great the Newspaper Guild of New York has
been. The Guild stepped in to help me when no one else would. Guild
President Barry Lipton and his New York staff, including Secretary-Treasurer
Bill O’Meara, Local Representative Bobby Townsend, and Guild lawyer
Barry Peek, worked vigorously on my behalf. They presented a brilliant legal
case before the arbitrator. They were smart, tough, and steadfast.
Guild-covered employees should feel very good about the quality and strength
of the union and its reps. Time Inc. Unit Chairs John Shostrom and Alex
Blanco stood by me when things got tough. In Los Angeles, Margot Roosevelt,
Jeff Ressner, and Jeannie McDowell of TIME Magazine did great work
representing me in meetings and counseling me afterwards. The process of
Guild representation works.
Thanks for your friendship and camaraderie. Remember, we must stick
together and remain strong. The smartest thing I ever did in my 14 years at
PEOPLE Magazine was to join the Guild. Had I not been active in the Guild,
my case would not have been nearly as effective. Activism, I learned, can
protect our jobs.
During my 14 years at People, I covered everything: O.J., Michael Jackson,
and Scott Peterson, interviewing too many inmates and assorted scumbags to
mention. My job took me to some of the most beautiful places on earth,
including the Katmai Peninsula in Alaska, where the glaciers meet the surf.
One day while walking with Timothy “Grizzly Man” Treadwell, I was charged by
a grizzly bear. All in the name of getting the story. I loved the work I
did for People, despite the long hours, which were intolerable.
For all of you who are working endless nights and weekends, don’t forget to
follow the contract and put in for your comp days. You’ve earned them.
And keep in touch!
Yours,
Lyndon Stambler
nodnyl@aol.com
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08/23/06