We deserve better

Many of us came to work at newspapers not just to make a living but to do our part to promote truth, justice, fairness and decency in our own small way. We do that daily --and it shows in our award-winning newspaper and website.

Unfortunately, Chronicle management doesn't seem to believe in -- or practice -- the same principles. At least not when it comes to us: the people who have made huge sacrifices to keep this paper alive.

There is nothing just, fair or even close to decent in what Chronicle management has offered at the bargaining table. And as for truth, well, we'll get to that later.

Frankly, the company's offer is an insult. And we should all feel insulted.

A year and a half ago, when Hearst threatened to close the Chronicle, we made deep concessions in our contracts, and those savings have helped improve the paper's bottom line and led to the first profits since Hearst took charge. In addition to making those concessions,
we saw hundreds of our colleagues lose their jobs. It was devastating but we not only soldiered on, we worked harder to honor their legacy -- and to keep the Chronicle an outstanding paper. For this, we are told, we deserve next to nothing.

A couple of weeks ago when violence broke out in downtown Oakland, many on the news staff put their personal safety at risk to produce amazing coverage. For this, we are told, we deserve next to nothing.

Earlier this year, for the first time in eons, the Chronicle was named the best large newspaper in California by the California Newspaper Publishers Association -- an honor for the entire staff. For this, we are told, we deserve next to nothing.

But we deserve better, much better. Hell, we deserve to have all the sacrifices we've made over the past five years reinstated. With a big fat raise on top. Gratefully delivered by our bosses on a silver platter.

But your bargaining team is realistic. We know that recovery is something that comes gradually, and that while the Chronicle is doing much better (thanks to our sacrifices), it is still struggling.

So we haven't asked for much: Some more time off (Remember, we gave up two weeks of vacation), some money to keep our health benefits intact, some kind of retirement plan (New employees get zip), some more sick leave and some sort of pay raise.

So far, management has offered five more days of sick leave (what we gave up in 2005) and little else. Can't afford it, they say.

Well, as good business people, it's time they figured out how to afford it. And as good employees, it's our job to help them get that message. (we do a lot of that, don't we?)

We need to remind them -- often -- that we are the reason the Chronicle is still in business. We are the reason they still have jobs. How do we do that? We speak up --individually and collectively. If you have a good relationship with your boss, tell her or him that you deserve something back. If our anger trickles upward, maybe someone will get a clue.

As a group, we need to decide what we're willing to do collectively to make our dissatisfaction felt. Many of you have already offered suggestions. We need, and want, more. But mostly what we need is for people to get directly involved. Talk to your Guild stewards and officers, wear red on bargaining days, display Guild signs, wear buttons, stop by the free coffee days, offer ideas for actions we should take, and join us in those actions.

And, no, I didn't forget about management and truth (not to mention fairness). A year and a half ago, when management forced us to make concessions, they promised to make the same sacrifices we made. They never did. They still have a company retirement plan -- and they have four or five weeks of vacation.

What about equity and fairness? We've asked at the bargaining table. What about truth and honesty? Can't afford it, they say.

I say they can't afford not to live up to the principles newspapers stand for. They can't afford to continue disrespecting their employees. And we need to let them know that.