Change Represents
Challenge for Guild

by Tina M. Destro
President

As we enter into a new year and, unbelievably, toward a new millennium, we as a union are faced with a myriad of challenges for the future.

We have closure with the signing of our contract after an arduous bargaining process. And we've had a change in leadership -- one that is dedicated to building strength and unity in our union through education, commitment and cooperation.

The fabric of leadership at the Buffalo News is changing as well as is reflected in this issue of the Frontier Reporter.

Sometimes change is downright frightening. We need to look not at uncertainty but at the one thread that remains constant among employees at the Buffalo News and that is -- us.

We are the continuity in this picture. These changes do not represent uncertainty for us, but an opportunity to grow together and build a union structure that is imperishable

The Guild has been a constant at the Buffalo News for 65 years. Our philosophy is constant. Our presence is constant. Our contract is constant.

The signing of our contract in 1997 did not signal an end but a beginning. When we talk amongst ourselves about building unity to gain a better bargaining position, we shouldn't say "for bargaining next time", we should say for "bargaining now."

We bargain every day to maintain the integrity of our contract and by doing so representing ourselves and our own integrity.

This process must include every one of us. Maybe not on the level that officers or Guild executive committee members have chosen to pursue, but each one of us must recognize our importance in this bargaining process.

Choose to be involved by supporting your Guild brothers and sisters sitting next to you at work every day; by asking questions and encouraging those among us who have chosen to represent you to do so properly and thoroughly.

We -- us -- as the constant represent the future.

Join the quest for unity and strength so that we can move forward together with confidence and courage.