Colleagues,

By now, many of you have seen the email from our Publisher regarding the company’s profit-sharing plan, recently approved by the Board of Directors. While we still haven’t seen a payout, this is obviously good news for our members and for all employees of the Star Tribune.

However, we would like our members to know that the plan detailed in the Publisher’s email was a direct result of the Guild’s work in bankruptcy negotiations last year. Your Guild negotiators asked for profit-sharing after the company insisted on deep cuts to our pay and benefits. A few days later, the company announced a profit-sharing plan for all employees, once the company exited bankruptcy and achieved certain financial goals.

Coincidence? Draw your own conclusions, be we would like to believe this would not have occurred had the Guild not brought it up.

Janet Moore/David Chanen

Co-Chairs Star Tribune Newspaper Guild

Janet Moore Bankruptcy

Colleagues,

Several of you have asked whether Guild members will be eligible for the 401k match that was announced by the Company late Wednesday. The answer is yes.

The April 24, 2009 Letter of Agreement between the Guild and the Company (No. 7) states Guild employees “will be eligible to participate in the Company’s 401k plan under the same terms and conditions as are applicable to non-represented employees (“independents”) who participate in the 401k plan.”

This was negotiated last spring during bankruptcy negotiations.

ONE MORE ITEM:

Our local, the Minnesota Newspaper Guild, is having one of four annual membership meetings 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 20 at the CWA 7200 Hall, 3521 E. Lake St. in Minneapolis. Beyond the Star Tribune, our local includes members from the Pioneer Press, Finance and Commerce, interpreters from the Hennepin County Medical Center, among others.  All members are invited to the meeting; pizza will be served.

Nominations will be taken at the meeting for Local President, which was left vacant by the departure of Ann Wilhelmy. Our bylaws require vacancies to be filed at the membership meeting with a “nomination and election from the floor.”

We’ll also discuss funding for an impending “Pre-Mayday” Solidarity event at the Strib, tentatively scheduled for Friday, April 30. If you are interested in volunteering to help, contact Janet.

Any questions on either item above, contact us.

Janet Moore/David Chanen

Co-Chairs Star Tribune Newspaper Guild

Janet Moore Bankruptcy, Contract

OFFICE OF MAYOR CHRIS COLEMAN
Job Opening: Director of Communications

The office of Mayor Chris Coleman is accepting resumes for the position of Director of Communications.  To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, two writing samples, (one press release, one longer form piece, preferably an example of speechwriting) and references to Bob Hume, Deputy Chief of Staff, by email (bob.hume@ci.stpaul.mn.us) no later than Friday, February 12, 2010

 Preferred qualifications:
 
1. Bachelor’s degree
2. At least two years of professional writing experience
3. Experience in speechwriting or journalism

 Job Duties:

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications plan
• Identify media opportunities
• Serve as Mayor’s spokesperson
• Serve as primary media contact for Coleman Administration
• Work with other departments and public information officers on media strategy
• Identify key messages on complex policy issues
• Write and distribute press releases, and talking points daily
• Develop, maintain, and regularly update the Mayor’s website and the city’s new media strategy
• Write major speeches
• Draft briefing memos and talking points for more than 200 public events each year.
• Prepare and staff mayor during interviews and public events
• Manage Mayor’s office intern program
• Other duties as assigned

Jackie Crosby Bankruptcy

From Dee Depass:

Hi All,

Just a reminder that the company has a confidential Employee Assistance Program that is a resource available to you, should you or a family member need someone to talk to during this difficult time. Lifeworks offers counselors,  financial guidance, legal advice and other services that may be of help, right now.  The Star Tribune’s contract with LifeWorks allows for a set number of one-on-one sessions for any employee. There is  no charges for this service and it is available to all, as long as you are still an employee. The website www.lifeworks.com    username=star   password=5466

Hope this is helpful.  

Jenna Ross Bankruptcy

Co-working spaces expand!

Our colleagues might like to know about several new co-working options in the Twin Cities. I wrote about one of the models, at Crema Café in Minneapolis, but there are now three at least…These spaces are wonderful for networking, working, brainstorming, coffee-drinking, etc: Check out:

www.the3rdplace.us, a full-time coworking space in St. Paul

www.cocomsp.com in Lowertown

And, starting in February, Crema will be open for coworking again (as “the 3^rd place at Crema Café”), with a slightly updated model that’s half a day (Weds. afternoon) and includes coffee and ice cream. The details are at www.cremacoworking.ning.com.

Janet Moore Bankruptcy

STAR TRIBUNE NEWSPAPER GUILD                                                                          CONTACT:  Janet Moore, Co-Chair

                                                                                                                                                     612-673-7752

                                                                                                                                                     David Chanen, Co-Chair

                                                                                                                                                     612-673-4465               

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MINNEAPOLIS, MONDAY, January 25, 2010: On Tuesday, Jan. 26, journalists in the Star Tribune Newspaper Guild will remove their bylines from their stories in the newspaper and on www.startribune.com to pay tribute to colleagues who are losing their jobs in a workforce reduction.

In coming weeks, 29 copy editors, photographers, photo lab assistants, photo editors, wire and web editors, copy desk chiefs, news assistants and graphics technicians will leave the newspaper through buyouts and layoffs. Together, they represent hundreds years of service to the Star Tribune.

“These employees may be nameless to our readers, but they represent the very core of our operation. This action is intended to show our deep gratitude and respect to our co-workers who are leaving,” said Janet Moore and David Chanen, co-chairs of the Star Tribune Newspaper Guild.

The union represents about 270 journalists.

The Guild’s union contract protects the right of members to remove their bylines from stories in protest.

                                                                       -30-

Janet Moore Bankruptcy

There are a few job openings some of our departing colleagues may want to check out:

Graphic Designer Full-time – 37.5 hours per week

Summary: This position works with staff to design and create print and electronic pieces that meet their communication needs. Projects may include brochures, flyers, signage, display ads, directories, newsletters, letterhead, business cards, invitations, cards, program booklets, and logos.

 Responsibilities:

·         Take projects from concept to completion. Includes conceptualization, design, production, working with vendors and printers.

·         Take direction, communicate ideas and concepts, and seek feedback. Meet print needs and deadlines of staff. Coordinate and share work load with colleagues in PR department.

·         Seek printing bids and advertising prices, select/purchase papers, get specs from newspapers or magazines for display ads, work with vendors, photographers, stock image companies and printers.

Requirements:

·         Three to five years experience in graphic design or print production required.

·         Proficient using a Mac.

·         Proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

·         Must be able to work with staff and vendors and to manage several projects at once.

·         Must be able to conceptualize and effectively communicate visually what the staff or program seeks to communicate to the appropriate audience.

·         Must have knowledge of the Jewish culture.

Please submit cover letter and resume to Tammy Cohen, Director of Human Resources. E-mail HumanResources@jfcsmpls.org or fax to 952.546.1679.  Please specify the position you are applying for. For more information on this position, see www.jfcsmpls.org.  AA/EEO

Here’s another ad:

Internet Broadcasting
Position:	Copy Editor
Location:	St Paul, Minnesota
Job Status:	Full-time
Salary:	Not Specified
Ad Expires:	February 19, 2010
Job ID:	1143327
Website:	http://www.ibsys.com

Janet Moore Bankruptcy

The deadline for Buyouts is 5 p.m. today. There is no recission period. Management has stated that those accepted for the Buyout will be told as early as Thursday. Departure dates will vary, depending on the individual.

After that, the layoff portion of the workforce reduction will begin.

If you have questions, please let us know.

Janet Moore/David Chanen

Co-chairs

Janet Moore Bankruptcy

Thanks to everyone who attended the session on unemployment/dislocated worker benefits today with Mike Goldman from the AFL-CIO/Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Special thanks to member Dee DePass for facilitating.

If you weren’t able to attend, some informational materials were left in Chez Barbara. The red booklet on unemployment insurance is especially helpful. There’s also a website: www.uimn.org 

The website for the state’s dislocated worker program is www.positivelyminnesota.com/dw 

The program offers career services, job placement services and training.

If you have question for Mike, you can call him at 651-259-7541.

Several members said they would like a similar information session on COBRA benefits. I’ve asked HR to help, and I’ll let you know if we can get a session scheduled.

If you have other suggestions, let us know. Thanks. Janet

Janet Moore Bankruptcy

Colleagues,

Mark your calendars: On Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 3 p.m. in Large 2 on the second floor, Mike Goldman, an employment specialist with the AFL-CIO/Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, will be on hand to discuss unemployment benefits, plus the state’s Dislocated Worker Program. The program offers job counseling, training grants, career planning and other support services for dislocated workers – that includes those taking buyouts and those being laid off.

The presentation is recommended for those interested in taking the buyout, and Guild members who may potentially be laid off.

A word on job titles: They’ve changed in the recent contract, so if you are unsure what your job title is, please see David or Janet.

Questions about the buyout? Call or email Michael Seraphine in Human Resources, extension 4096.

In the meantime, we’ve had a number of members ask questions about the buyout program. We will frequently post FAQs on this website as they come in. Feel free to forward questions to your Guild leaders, their names are listed below.

Here’s a sampling:

What’s the difference between the buyout and the layoff? Technically, the terms are the same: 1.5 weeks of pay for every 52-weeks of continuous service up to a maximum of 30 weeks. However, the buyout money will be paid every two weeks, just like your current paycheck. The layoff money comes in a lump sum. Check with a financial adviser or accountant to determine if there are tax advantages to one or the other.

Will I get additional health insurance with the buyout? No. You will be eligible for federal COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) health benefits for 18 months. A subsequent Minnesota COBRA subsidy may be available to workers who are eligible. www.dhs.state.mn.us/healthcare/COBRA.

Do those who leave still pay Guild dues? Guild dues are not deducted from severance payments.

Will buyout/layoff payments be based on your current pay scale? Not necessarily. Per Article VIII, Paragraph 1, severance payments are based on the highest level of pay received in the past 12 months, regardless of whether you take a buyout or are laid off.

If your application for a buyout is accepted, when would be your last day? Most likely you will be told on Jan. 21 when your final day will be. It will most likely be in the following week, to allow time for handling paperwork, but depending on the need to fill behind some people, some may be asked to stay into the week after that.

If I’m laid off, when will my final day be? Two weeks after you’re told.

How much PTO money will I get in a buyout/layoff? You will get a quarter of your PTO allotment.

What about my rolled-over vacation time from 2009? You will get that amount in cash.

When will the company present its list of exempted employees? Managers will inform employees who are exempted.

We appreciate your patience during this difficult time.

 Janet Moore/David Chanen, Co-chairs, Star Tribune Newspaper Guild

 Vice chairs

Jackie Crosby

Kathe Connair

Myron Medcalf

Pam Miller

Graydon Royce

Janet Moore Bankruptcy