NABET Local 42

Meeting called to order at 9:25am by President Bill Wachenschwanz.

Attendees: M. DeChant, J. Jackson, J. Kaminsky, J. Kolendo, K. Koscick,
J. Kubankin, T. Mullally, T. Roskey, M. Smilor, N. Tatulinski, T. Trakas,
W. Wachenschwanz.
Non-voting attendees: C. DeGross, R. Nagin and E. Verba.

Reading of the Minutes of the April 13th, 2013 E-Board Meeting suspended.
Motion to accept the April 13, 2013 minutes as posted: Move: Jim Jackson.
Second: Terry Mullally.

Treasurer’s Report is read by President Wachenschwanz in the absence of Treasurer Marilyn Oliver. In April, the total monthly income was $14,569.76. Expenses for the month totaled $10,350.86. We had a net income for the month of $4,218.86. Big expense was Salary Comp. Bill noted that we are now current with WOIO/WUAB and Fox 8 ULOA. Mileage Rate for 2013 is 56.5 cents per mile. Motion to accept the Treasurer’s report: Move: Ken Koscick.
Second: Terry Trakas.

New Members: WOIO/WUAB: Stephen Parsons- Part-time PA.
Abigail Schrader- Part-time PA.
WKYC: Ryan Maloney
WJW- NEWS:Kaitlyn Sawyer- Associate Producer
Elise Chengery- Made Full Time
WJW- ENG: Claudia Fleming- VR
Mike Gerlica- Full Time Maintenance
Motion to accept new Members: Move: Ken Koscick. Second: John Kaminsky.

Members Not Here Any More: WJW-NEWS: Katie Meyers.
Correspondence: President Bill Wachenschwanz thanked all the Members who were involved in covering the Seymour Avenue story. Bill said that the professionalism and cooperation he saw among NABET Local 42 Members and the national media was laudable. Bill received a note of appreciation from Matt Rafferty (WJW- Eng) for the flowers the Union sent to Matt’s Father’s funeral. A thank you letter was read from Linda Hinton for our support during her campaign for the office of Vice President of CWA District Four.
There will be a Golf Outing sponsored by the Union Sportsman Alliance on Saturday, July 13th in Bellevue Ohio. For more information about purchasing tickets or attending, please contact Bill Wachenschwanz.
Terry Trakas shared that Dale Pae received a kidney transplant last Sunday and is doing well. Dale is convalescing at home and is on the road to recovery. Best Wishes are sent to Dale for a speedy return to good health.

Stewards Reports:

WOIO-WUAB: John Kaminsky told the Board that a grievance has been filed on behalf of Dawn Pinkney (P.A.) John said that Eric Seggi is handling the grievance.

WJW-Engineering- Tim Roskey said that a meeting is going to be scheduled in the near future to discuss several on-going issues of concern.

WJW-News- Brian Geiger reports that Vacation scheduling seems to be going okay.

WKYC- Cathy Watkins is on vacation. In her absence, Chuck DeGross spoke to the Board about recent meetings he had attended and upcoming events. Mark Smilor asked if there could be a WKYC Unit meeting in June? President Wachenschwanz said yes and that he would speak with Cathy upon her return to discuss dates.

AFL/CIO Report is presented by Delegate Rick Nagin. Rick kindly prepared an electronic summary of the meeting which is reproduced in it’s entirety below.

Main actions and points of discussion:

March on Washington: Unanimous vote to endorse and actively mobilize to build Aug 24 March on Washington called by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the King Center to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Rev Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, “I have a dream speech.” The event, endorsed by the National AFL-CIO, will strengthen labor’s ties to the African-American community and other progressive allies and be an occasion for promoting Labor’s demands for jobs and defense of Union rights.

NLRB Nominations: Members and affiliates are asked to contact Sen. Rob Portman before May 16th Senate hearing on Pres. Obama’s nominations to the NLRB. Urge him to confirm the nominations.

Elections: Affiliates were asked to refrain from early endorsements in 2013 and 2014 elections so that Labor can speak with one voice and have maximum effect.

Union Musicians: American Federation of Musicians Local 4 asked all to join them in protesting use of nonunion musicians by Hollywood film crews coming into Cleveland May 23rd.

So-called Right-To-Work: Though currently tabled, So-called “Right-to –Work” legislation is still expected and Tea Party forces are continuing to circulate petitions to put it on the ballot. Locals are urged to take part in the effort to educate members through the AFL-CIO phone bank.

Labor Festival: Instead of a parade an all day festival is planned Sat. Aug 31 in Euclid Memorial Park to celebrate Labor Day. There will be vendor tents and a program book.
Locals are urged to take part in the planning committee.

Respectfully submitted,

Rick Nagin

Great Job, Rick! Thanks for the report and welcome back to the roads of greater Cleveland. Brother Jim Jackson extends sincere thanks to Rick Nagin for all the assistance Rick gave during the Ed FitzGerald gubernatorial announcement. Jim praised Rick’s efforts which were instrumental in the success of Jims’ work.

Old Business: President Wachenschwanz spoke briefly about the CWA Convention that he and Vice President Kolendo attended in Pittsburgh last month. The main topics discussed were: The NLRB appointments, Immigration, and changes to the funding of the SIF fund which will be less expensive for the Locals. The issue of consolidation of smaller Locals was tabled and other changes to the CWA Constitution went away. The Transportation Workers of America is now in talks with CWA.

New Business: The offices of Vice President and Secretary of Local 42 will be vacant as of June 30th, 2013. Bill will be distributing a call for Nominations as well as Nominating Petitions to each Unit in the next week. Please encourage all Members in Good Standing to consider running for these Executive Board positions. Jim Kolendo expressed his sincere thanks for all the opportunities the Union has afforded him. Nancy Tatulinski also expressed her gratitude and thanks.

President Wachenschwanz asks the Board to make a motion to allow Secretary Tatulinski to keep the six-year-old laptop the Union purchased during her term as Secretary. Motion to allow Nancy Tatulinski to keep the laptop the Union purchased:
Move: Jim Jackson. Second: Marty DeChant.
Nancy expressed sincere appreciation for this lovely parting gesture.

Motion to Adjourn: Ken Koscick. Second: Brian Geiger.
Meeting ends at 10:42pm.

Next E-Board Meeting will be on JUNE 15th at 9am at the Union Hall.

(That’s Brian Geiger’s birthday…maybe we will have a cake?)
Be sure to attend and you will find out!

Meeting called to order at 9:15am by Vice President Jim Kolendo. President Wachenschwanz was absent due to a death and funeral in his family. Deepest condolences are sent to Bill, Lori and their family on their loss.

Attendees: B. Geiger, J. Jackson, J. Kaminsky, J. Kolendo, T. Mullally, M. Oliver,
J. Potter, T. Roskey, N. Tatulinski, T. Trakas, and C. Watkins.
Non-voting attendees: C. DeGross, R. Nagin and E. Verba.

Reading of the Minutes of the March 16th, 2013 E-Board Meeting suspended.
Motion to accept the March 16th, 2013 minutes as posted: Terry Mullally.
Second: Terry Trakas.

Treasurer’s Report is read by Treasurer Marilyn Oliver. In March, the total monthly income was $13,876.09. Expenses for the month totaled $16,744.83. We had a net (loss) for the month of $2,868.74. Big expenses were Negotiation Expenses to Fox 8 and WOIO/WUAB, Salary Comp and the Officer Quarterly. Due to a lack of a quorum, a Recommendation to vote on the Treasure’s Report next month is presented. Recommend: Jim Jackson. Second: Brian Geiger.

New Members: WJW-Engineering: Howard Davis, Jr. and Claudia Fleming- VR’s
Returning VR’s: Matt Kootsouradis, Ledeon Isufaj,
Jenna Golesh, Mark Dominic & Brian Palacz.

Motion to accept new Members: Move: Terry Mullally. Second: Terry Trakas

Members Not Here Any More: WJW-Engineering: Jim Snell- Retired-Congratulations!

Correspondence: Vice President Jim Kolendo read the months’ correspondence. A lovely note of thanks came from John Kaminsky for the gift card the Union sent him during his hospital stay. The Community Hospice of Tuscarawas sent an acknowledgement of the donation Local 42 sent in memory of Howard C. Edwards. Mr. Edwards was Lisa Edwards’ father. LifeBank sent a Thank You note for the donation we made in memory of Robert Naab.
Terry Mullally offers sincere condolences to Matt Rafferty on the recent passing of his Father.

Stewards Reports:

WJW-NEWS- Brian Geiger said that things were currently pretty quiet.

WJW-Engineering- Tim Roskey talked about the Touch Screen Technology and its use by non-NABET personnel at WJW. Tim also said that the station is up for sale and that the VR’s are back.

WKYC- Cathy Watkins said that AFTRA voted on its last and final contract offer from WKYC; AFTRA voted the contract down. Cathy also mentioned that management said they want to get use of the MMJ’s back on track.

WOIO-WUAB: John Kaminsky recounted that there have been no grievances filed in the past few weeks.

AFL/CIO Report is presented by Delegate Rick Nagin. Rick began by thanking Local 42 for the cards that were sent to him while recuperating from his heart surgery and complications thereafter.

Rick attended the North Shore AFL-CIO Delegates Meeting on Wednesday, April 10th, 2013. The meeting addressed a number of key local, state and national issues:

STRONGSVILLE TEACHERS STRIKE:
President Pat Gallagher said that after initial negative attitudes, public opinion is turning in favor of the striking teachers, especially after the Union offered to end the strike if the dispute was submitted to binding arbitration; the School Board rejected this offer, fearing the Arbitrator might rule in favor of the teachers. Both Gallagher and Exec. Secretary, Harriet Applegate stressed the importance of winning this fight as part of the continuing war for the survival of Organized Labor and urged a strong showing at the Labor Solidarity rally held Friday, April 12th.

RIGHT TO WORK:
Applegate said the danger of this Union-busting measure being adopted in Ohio was very serious, especially in light of diminished Union density; we should assume it will be on the ballot this fall. All were encouraged to attend the Ohio AFL-CIO Training session Monday, April 22 from 2-7pm at Laborers Local 310 located at 3250 Euclid Avenue. Dinner will be provided starting at 5:30pm. The session will be led by Dennis Duffy, President of the State Building and Trades Council and Joe Rugola, former State AFL-CIO President. The session aims to help Union Activists overcome the widespread confusion among Union Members and the general public about this issue.

ENDING GUN VIOLENCE:
Pres. Gallagher urged Delegates to sign petitions supporting President Obama’s proposals to curb gun violence. A Resolution urging the State and National AFL-CIO to weigh in on this issue was adopted unanimously.

MEDICADE EXPANSION:
Delegates were urged to attend the rally at the State House on Thursday, April 11th to protest the GOP efforts to block Medicaid expansion despite Gov. Kasich’s support for this lifeline to hundreds of thousands of low income Ohioans.

TAX DAY:
A still undetermined action will be held April 15 where statistics on exorbitant CEO incomes will be released.

NLRB:
AFL-CIO President, Rich Trumka has issued a strong letter blasting the decision of an extremist judge nullifying all rulings by President Obama’s NLRB appointments and urging the GOP to drop efforts to block new appointments and thereby sabotage this critical agency.

SOCIAL SECURITY:
Bentley Davis, State Director of the Alliance of Retired Americans, voiced strong opposition to the cuts in Social Security benefits in the budget proposed by President Obama.

OHIO NURSES:
A report by a leader of the Ohio Nurses Association stated that the Union is engaged in very difficult negotiations for a new contract scheduled to go into effect Monday with the Visiting Nurses Association which has a strong anti-Labor CEO who is seeking a 50% cut in wages, cuts in health care, reclassifying many positions to management, ending overtime pay and eliminating Senior Employees. Unions are asked to send the VNA letters of concern.

Respectfully Submitted,
Rick Nagin
4/12/13
Old Business: Vice President Jim Kolendo reported that he and President Wachenschwanz will be attending the CWA Convention in Pittsburgh next Saturday through Wednesday. Two of the major issues that will be brought up at convention are: 1) Consolidation of Locals under 100 Members into larger Locals and 2) The end of proxy voting. Both issues are of major importance.

Jim gives a brief re-cap of the Lynda-dot-Com training program and said that since he had taken over the administration of the program for Regions Two and Six two years ago, EVERY Session, but one, has filled 32 seats EVERY month. The next available seats are in the session in June.
Jim reminds everyone who is interested in training, to contact him at his e-mail address, jkolendo@sbcglobal.net and NOT through the Lynda-dot-Com web site which has had bounce-back problems reported.

New Business: Cathy Watkins was approached by WKYC management about a student from Hocking College that is entered into the NAB Educational Program for an apprenticeship. Management wants to bring this student into WKYC for an internship in Engineering. WKYC management said they would pay the student’s Union Initiation fee. Discussion followed on the meaning of Apprenticeship vs. Internship. Vice President Kolendo will be having a conference call with Sector President Jim Joyce this afternoon and will bring the matter to his attention for guidance and discussion.

The North Shore AFL-CIO will be holding the 2013 Union Community Activist Network training (UCAN) beginning April 4th and concluding June 12, 2013. The training will be held Thursday evenings from 6 to 8pm. Interested parties must be registered by March 22. If you would like more information about this valuable training, please contact Bill Wachenschwanz for details.
There was a meeting held Tuesday, April 9th at the Federation Office to brainstorm ideas for Labor Day. This year, the event will be a festival rather than a parade and will be held in a park in Euclid, Ohio.

NABET-CWA Local 42 Web Master, John Potter, said that the Web Hosting license is up for renewal. ALSO, PLEASE send John electronic copies of your Unit’s CBA! John would like to post them on the Local 42 web site so each Member will be able to access their Units’ CBA quickly.

Next Meeting: Saturday, May 18th at 9AM in the Union Hall.

Motion to Adjourn: Tim Roskey. Second: John Kaminsky.
Meeting ends at 10:21am.

Meeting called to order at 9:17am by President Bill Wachenschwanz.

Attendees: M. DeChant, B. Geiger, J. Jackson, J. Kolendo, K. Koscick, T. Mullally,
M. Oliver, J. Potter, T. Roskey, R. Stiene, N. Tatulinski and W. Wachenschwanz.
Non-voting attendees: C. DeGross.

Reading of the Minutes of the February 16th, 2013 E-Board Meeting is suspended.
Motion to accept the February 16th Minutes as posted: Move: Jim Jackson.
Second: Ken Koscick.

Treasurer’s Report is read by Treasurer Marilyn Oliver. In February, the total monthly income was $15,479.89. Expenses for the month totaled $12,541.00. We had a net income for the month of $2,938.89. Big expenses were Salary Comp and Negotiation Expenses to Fox 8 & WOIO/WUAB. The mileage rate for 2013 is 56.5. Local 42 forgave Bob Naab’s dues and made a donation in his memory to the Life bank. Motion to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented: Move: Rick Stiene.
Second: Ken Koscick .

New Members: WJW News- Monica Volante- Associate Producer
Elyse Chengery- Production Assistant.
Motion to accept new Members: Move: Brian Geiger. Second: Ken Koscick.

Members Not Here Any More: WOIO/WUAB: Jeff Cook- Line Producer went to
Station in Toledo.

Correspondence/Thank You Notes: Local 42 received official confirmation from the NLRB of the decision in our favor in the matter of Local 42 v. WKYC.
The North Shore AFL-CIO will be holding the 2013 Union Community Activist Network training (UCAN) beginning April 4th and concluding June 12, 2013. The training will be held Thursday evenings from 6 to 8pm. Interested parties must be registered by March 22. If you would like more information about this valuable training, please contact Bill Wachenschwanz for details.

Stewards Reports:

WOIO/WUAB: Ken Koscick reports that Danielle Banks has had a medical procedure and will be out for a few weeks. Ken also said that Steward John Kaminsky has had his knee scoped and is recuperating. Best wishes are sent to both Danielle and John for a speedy and complete recovery!
Ken told of a Meeting held March 1st between management, John Kaminsky and Rob Hillier about supervisors editing for news. Dan Salamone was aware of the jurisdictional language in the CBA and clarified the editing issue.
Ken asked Bill Wachenschwanz what the status was on getting paper copies of the CBA to Unit Members. Bill said that the CBA’s are now being printed and should be ready in a couple of weeks.
As a reminder, the WOIO/WUAB CBA can be found on the Local 42 web page and, until the paper copies arrive, can be viewed at the site.

WJW-Engineering- Tim Roskey said that there will be a meeting on Monday, March 18th to discuss interactive devices and non-union personnel. Recently there has been an issue about editing work being moved to the Newsroom. Side Letter 5 will be discussed and Tim invited Rick Stiene to attend the Monday meeting.
Tim said that Jim Snell is retiring. Jim started work in at WJW in 1978 and his last day on the job will be next Friday. Hearty Congratulations are sent to Jim as he starts his retirement!
Tim reminds the E-Board that WJW has a full time opening for a Maintenance/IT person. Please submit resume’s to John Cifani and cc Susan Pace at WJW.

WJW-News- Rick Stiene and Brian Geiger reported that the News Unit is expanding with new hires.

AFL/CIO Report is suspended this month due to the recuperation of delegate Rick Nagin. The E-Board sends sincere good wishes to Rick as he recovers from his recent surgery. Hope to see you back at the meetings again soon, Rick!

SEC Report is presented by President Wachenschwanz. Bill said that the meeting was held in San Diego and the main topic of discussion was the up-coming CWA Convention. One item of concern re: Unit Size has been tabled by the By-Laws Committee. The issues about Proxy Voting and SIF Funds will still be voted on. NABET has one appeal that will be heard at convention.

New Business: John Potter asks that each Unit provide him with an electronic copy of their CBA that he can post to the Local 42 web site.

Motion to Adjourn: Ken Koscick. Second: Terry Mullally.
Meeting ends at 10:03am.

NEXT E-BOARD MEETING: SECOND Saturday, April 13th, 2013 at 9:00am at the Union Hall.

Meeting called to order at 9:05am by President Bill Wachenschwanz.

Attendees: M. DeChant, B. Geiger, J. Jackson, J. Kaminsky, K. Koscick, J. Kubankin,
T. Mullally, M. Oliver, G. Payamgis, J. Potter, T. Roskey, R. Stiene, N. Tatulinski,
T. Trakas, W. Wachenschwanz and C. Watkins.
Non-voting attendees: C. DeGross and R. Nagin.

Reading of the Minutes of the January 19th, 2013 E-Board Meeting is suspended.
Motion to accept the January 19th Minutes as posted: Move: Terry Mullally.
Second: Rick Stiene.

Treasurer’s Report is read by Treasurer Marilyn Oliver. In January, the total monthly income was $20,101.75. Expenses for the month totaled $19,541.35. We had a net income for the month of $560.40. Big expenses were Salary Comp and Negotiation Expenses to Fox 8 & WOIO/WUAB and Accounting Fees. Marty DeChant inquired if any progress had been made on investigating alternative phone plans for the Officers. John Potter examined the phone bills to see where savings could be made; further discussion and options for plans will have to be studied. Motion to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented: Move: Terry Trakas. Second: Brian Geiger.

New Members: WJW News- Daniel Stadler- Producer
Motion to accept new Member: Move: Cathy Watkins. Second: Rick Stiene.

Members Not Here Any More: None.

Correspondence/Thank You Notes: Cathy Watkins read a note of thanks from
Bob Naab (WKYC) for the gift card that was sent to his family during his illness.
Sadly, Bob’s condition has worsened in the past month and Cathy asks for prayers for Bob. Cathy also read a note of appreciation from Julianne Smilor, daughter of
Mark Smilor, (WKYC) for the gift card that the E-Board gave her on the birth of her daughter Sofia.
Good wishes are sent to John Adkins (WOIO-WUAB) during his short-term disability via John Kaminsky.
Stewards Reports:

WOIO/WUAB: John Kaminsky informs the E-Board that WOIO-WUAB Members have ratified a new Collective Bargaining agreement as of February 8th, 2013. This is the fourth CBA between the Union and Raycom. Seventy-five percent of the Members came out to vote on the 3 year Contract which included a one and one-half percent increase in the second year and a one and three-quarter increase in the third year.
Members had asked if there would be any provision for early voting in the future? Bill Wachenschwanz said he would look into it, but early voting may require a change in the Local’s By Laws to accommodate. The Labor Department has criteria that must be met in the election process; electronic voting must be administered by a third party and, at the moment, is extremely expensive and cost prohibitive for us. Bill thanked John Potter for electronically distributing the CBA to the Members on Flash Drives which was a great cost savings to the Local.

WJW-Engineering- Tim Roskey said that discussion on Smart Board technology continues. The station purchased a new truck. VR’s will be returning soon. An additional hour of news will be added in the Fall. Ron Mounts was recently let go.

WJW-News- Rick Stiene and Brian Geiger reported that approval for a new Producer position has been made by management.

WKYC- Chuck DeGross said that he is preparing a case against former Member Brandi Paulsen in Small Claims Court with respect to unpaid past dues owed to the Union. Three Credit reporting agencies have been alerted regarding her delinquent dues status.

AFL/CIO Report is presented by delegate Rick Nagin. Rick verbally gave the E-Board a succinct recap of the Delegates Meeting but has also submitted an in depth report which follows:

The proposed state budget, the “Right To Work” threat, the defense of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the U.S. Postal Service and immigration reform were the key issues addressed at the monthly delegates’ meeting of the North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor, Weds.,Feb. 13.

State AFL-CIO President Tim Burga, the main speaker, thanked the Federation for its contribution to the massive, successful effort in the Nov. election. Burga said the budget proposed by Gov. Kasich continues GOP efforts to cut taxes on the wealthy and shift the burden to working families, as well as underfunding public education and local government services. Nine Central Labor Councils have set up phone banks as part of an educational campaign so unions can reach their members on the so-called
“Right To Work” effort promoted by the same groups that brought about Senate Bill 5. The phone bank in Cleveland is in operation every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6 pm and 6-8 pm at the Federation office.

Exec. Sec’y Harriet Applegate reported on the fight against cuts in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and the across the board cuts in government programs set for March 1 (sequestration). The labor council held a demonstration in Public Square Jan. 30, was set to take part in the Feb. 14th “National Call In to Congress Day” and will hold a press conference this coming Weds. (Feb. 20) at its office to which all affiliates are urged to send representatives. A Spring fund raiser honoring Dennis Kucinich is planned. Union counselor classes at the United Labor Agency will start April 1.

Pres. Pat Gallagher reported that Labor Day will be celebrated this year with a family picnic and festival.

Bill Barnes, Vice Pres. of the Letter Carriers local, said the union was challenging Postmaster General Donohoe’s surprise announcement that Saturday deliveries would end in August. Barnes said such a service cut requires an act of Congress, would result in the loss of 25,000 jobs, and is part of an effort to privatize and eventually eliminate the postal service. The NALC has called on Donohoe, a Bush appointee, to resign. 80% of the USPS deficit is due to an onerous requirement enacted under Bush to pre-fund pensions 75 years in advance.

The delegates unanimously endorsed a resolution supporting a road map to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants.

Respectfully submitted,

Rick Nagin
Feb. 14, 2013

New Business: The CWA Convention will be held in Pittsburgh PA on April 20-24th. Vice President Kolendo and President Wachenschwanz will be going as our delegates.
President Wachenschwanz reviewed several issues that will be voted on during the convention that are of importance to NABET locals.

Motion to Adjourn: Ken Koscick. Second: George Payamgis.
Meeting ends at 10:26am.

NEXT E-BOARD MEETING: Saturday, March 16th, 2013 at 9:00am at the Union Hall.
WEAR GREEN!