Striking Part-time Reporter in Detroit Adopted by Local

By Tom Buckham
Editorial Steward

The Detroit News & Free Press strike continues to exact a wrenching toll on members of The Newspaper Guild of Detroit, which is being assisted by the Buffalo Newspaper Guild.

Wayne Kermode, the veteran Detroit News sports copy editor who was adopted by the local in June, recently was forced to move his disabled wife and their two children to New York City, where he took a job with the New York Daily News.

In his place, the local has adopted Martha Hindes, who joined the Detroit News in 1979 as an intern from Wayne State University, and before the strike was a part-time reporter. Since 1988, Hindes has operated her own automotive news bureau from her home in suburban St. Clair Shores, distributing stories and commentary to out-of-town newspapers. Freelance work has kept her busy, but hasn't generated enough income to pay the bills, particularly medical expenses.

"You can wait three months or longer for a check," said Hindes, who is in poor health.

She also contributes to the Detroit Sunday Journal, the voice of striking newspaper workers. It has been profitable since May, but is handicapped by limited circulation and has been unable to pay salaries, so far.

Subscriptions to the Sunday Journal can be obtained by mail at 3100 East Jefferson St. Detroit, Mich. 48207-5052. Three-month subscriptions are $15, and major credit cards are accepted as payment. For more information, contact the Sunday Journal at (313) 567-9818, ext. 135.

In addition, Hindes and other striking Guild members have established Copy & Art, a creative network of writers, editors, photographers, graphic artists and designers who will offer their services to potential clients.

The group's motto is: "They've won praise and prizes. Now they're ready to put their talents to work for you."

Although a third to half of the strikers have returned to their jobs at the News and Free Press, and others like Kermode have left the Detroit area, about 2,000 union members remain out of work, including members of the Teamsters, Pressmen and Mailers' union locals.

The strike began 15 months ago. If, as expected, the National Labor Relations Board rules in favor of striking unions based on the evidence presented during a recent trial, Gannett and Knight-Ridder, which own the News and the Free Press respectively, certainly will appeal - prolonging the strike for months.

"It will be a long haul," Hindes said.

She is the third Detroit Guild member aided by donations from local members, who have pledged to send a total of $500 a month to the adopted striker through February 1997.

"I am more grateful than you can imagine," Hindes wrote in a letter to the local.

"The support from others, including Guild units such as yours, has been unbelievable. We wouldn't have gotten this far without it, and no amount of thanks can ever repay you.

"We just hope that keeping the faith helps everyone in the long run so others don't have to fight the same battle," she said.

Editor's Note: Donations to the local's adopted striker fund can be made to department vice chairs, or mailed directly to the Guild office at 120 Delaware Avenue, Suite 425, Buffalo 14202.

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