DiCesare to Lead Guild into New Era

by Barb O'Brien
Editorial

New Year's Day will mark more than the new year. It's also the start of terms for a new president and two new vice presidents for the Buffalo Newspaper Guild Sector 26, CWA Local 31026 -- all part of the restructuring to make a stronger union.

Elected at the October meeting were president, Bob DiCesare, a sports writer and copy editor; vice president for contract administration, Pat Gormley of circulation; and vice president for mobilization, Greg Ramsdell of circulation.

Re-elected to new terms were treasurer, Bob Snyder, and secretary, Carol Ann Burke, both of circulation.

The restructuring followed recommendations by the Strategic Initiatives Committee to make the guild stronger.

"The idea was to return to the membership a lot of duties done by the staff," said outgoing President Phil Fairbanks.

"The restructuring that has taken place is going to help us in administering the Guild," DiCesare said. "I think we keep our members involved by keeping them informed."

As part of the effort to protect the contract, the duties most often undertaken by the head of the grievance committee have been elevated to vice presidential status: overseeing the grievance process and contract enforcement issues.

Gormley currently serves as chairman of the grievance committee.

"We've elevated the position in recognition of what goes into it," DiCesare said.

Ramsdell, a member of the executive committee, will undertake efforts to mobilize the membership.

"In the past we've done a pretty good job at contract time," DiCesare said.

As vice president, Ramsdell's job will be to involve and inform the membership and foster that negotiation-type enthusiasm in non-negotiation years.

"We continually see the attempted erosion of our contractual rights. That's something we have to be vigilant about," DiCesare said.

He expects 1999 will be an interesting year as the Guild learns and takes advantage of the services and options offered by the Communications Workers of America.

"We're eager to develop contacts with other CWA locals, " Local Service Representative Tina Destro said . "I'm looking forward to working with the officers. Through this new structure, we can procure good leadership development."

In line with the newly revised by laws, 1999 officers will serve one-year terms. Those elected next year for the 2000 term will serve for two years. Thereafter, officers will serve three-year terms.

The merger agreement between TNG and CWA stipulates that by 2002, local officers will serve three-year terms.

Should the local president resign, the vice president for mobilization is designated to fill the vacancy upon approval the executive board .