**Just a reminder to our members. This site is a work in progress. That means we’re open to improving or tweaking these answers or anything else on the site. It’s your site. Feel free to make suggestions.

1. Why should I join the Guild?

Since 1938, the Guild has improved the salaries, job security, working conditions, and benefits of Post employees. For two-thirds of Post employees, their only raise will be the one negotiated in the Guild contract. The Guild also helps foster an environment that enables employees to challenge unfair treatment without risking the loss of their job.  Without a union contract, employees work “at the will” of their employer and can be fired or laid off without just cause, notice, or in most cases, without due process.

In the end, the contract negotiated with the Post is only as strong as the Guild itself.  With a strong membership, the Guild will have the resources to stand up for what is right. By joining together we protect and advance our living standards as well as our colleagues’.

2. What has the Guild done or won lately?

Well, more than most realize. Over the term of the last contract, the Guild has:

• Improved the buyout (VRIP) pensions supplements by an average $950 annually
• Increased eligibility for the 2006 and 2008 buyouts, including health insurance for some part-time employees
• Improved the terms of the buyouts
• Saved members’ jobs through the grievance and arbitration system
• Met with Post management to resolve problems concerning shift schedules, health benefits, part-time hours, the PAS system, Leave Manager, posting of jobs, performance management system
• Sought compensation for Post members contributions to Washington Post Radio and The Onion.

What’s more in the past few years, the Guild has confidentially worked behind the scenes as an advocate — and provided legal assistance when necessary — for more than 30 employees who were pressured by the company to quit. In some of those cases, the Guild helped employees fight to keep their jobs. In other instances, the Guild assisted in negotiating individual resignations that included enhanced severance pay and extended health coverage.

Of course, with all that being said, the Guild wants to do more.

3. Am I covered by the contract? If I do not join the Guild, so what?

Yes. Membership is voluntary and most employees – excluding managers and other exempt workers – are covered by the Guild contract.

Although you are covered by the contract even if you do not join, your membership and participation make the union stronger and make it easier to secure better working conditions for all employees. During contract talks, the Post weighs the size of the Guild membership and its willingness to act to measure our negotiating power. It’s important to have a solid membership to provide a force and voice at the paper.Also, as a member, you will have a voice in determining the focus and direction of the Guild. Joining your colleagues at the bargaining table, participating in discussions about the future of our industry, or serving as a Steward in contract enforcement can truly be a rewarding and enriching experience.

4. How are dues determined? Why can’t we lower the dues?

Dues are determined by the bylaws and constitution of the local union, the Washington-Baltimore Newspaper Guild, and our national union, the Newspaper Guild-CWA. Dues average 1.44 percent of an employee’s salary — may be tax deductible if you itemize–  and  are lower than many other unions. At the Post, monthly dues range from a low of $35 to a high of $132 with the average being $71.15. (Note: The averages should broken out separately between news and commercial. Less shocking for commercial folks.)

The Guild is stretched thin financially and cannot lower dues and remain effective. With the additional resources provided by new members, the Guild can address more issues in depth and bring more bargaining power to the table.

5. Where do my Guild dues go?

Every year, our Local’s Executive Council (Washington-Baltimore Newspaper Guild) prepares an annual budget for approval by the entire membership. This budget is available to be reviewed by members and prospective members. A financial report is provided every month to the Executive Council for the monitoring of expenses.  Dues cover a variety of costs. The salaries of Guild employees, including those who help negotiate and enforce the contract, account for 52 cents of every dollar. About 11 cents of every dollar goes to professional legal fees for arbitrations, trials, and other legal activities in support of contract enforcement, negotiations, and various organizing actions. About 26 cents of every dollar is sent to the national union, which provides legal assistance, and advice, as well as research on health and safety issues. Our national union also maintains defense funds available to the local Guild. About 8 cents of every dollar pays for office space next door to the Washington Post, including computers, phones, supplies, and maintaining a web site. The final 3 cents of every dollar funds other projects like the Front Page Awards, member newsletters, and affiliations with other union federations.

6. Are WPNI employees covered by the contract?

No. The Guild covers employees of the Washington Post. WPNI employees currently do not have Guild representation.

As WPNI employees are integrated into the Washington Post, the Guild will seek to have them covered by the contract, a long-held goal. We want WPNI members to have a voice in the workplace and comparable pay with Washington Post employees.

7. Can the Guild represent me in a personnel matter? For example, if my boss is pushing me to leave the company, what can the Guild do?

Yes. The Guild can provide legal and strategic advice and act as an advocate on your behalf. In many cases the contract affords employees more protection than they realize. The Guild has been able to help employees facing dismissal either keep their position or negotiate a fair exit package.

You should contact a union representative if you have concerns about how you are being treated by your boss.

11. What is the Guild’s stance on strikes?

The  Guild’s Post Unit has not held a strike in more than 30 years. Before the Guild would consider a strike, it would need the overwhelming support of the majority of members. The elected leadership and the bargaining committee would also have to recommend a strike. After all that, it would need to be ratified by a membership vote. However, during the 2003 negotiations, nearly all  the Guild reporters and photographers withheld their bylines from stories and photos to pressure management to improve it’s contract offer.

12. How can I get involved in the Guild? How can I get involved with the Guild if I work at WPNI?

Members can join the Contract Action Team (CAT). The Contract Action Team supports the Bargaining Committee, which negotiates contract terms with Post management. Our Guild needs a structure to distribute bulletins and bargaining news throughout the Post, as well as to get information such as surveys back to the Bargaining Team. This is not a major time commitment and can make a big difference in keeping the membership informed. All workers should look around the area in which they work and make sure someone there is plugged in to the Guild.

Members can also become Guild Stewards, who serve as workplace monitors of management conduct and provide a source of information and advice for colleagues about a multitude of issues and concerns. Members can also become Guild Officers who serve in a leadership position or serve on various Committees that periodically meet with management about workplace issues.

If you work at WPNI, contact Local Rep Joe Kahraman at the Guild to find out what the latest news is and how you fit in.