The Newspaper Guild and its parent union, the Communication Workers of America, is closely monitoring the GateHouse bankruptcy proceedings.
At the moment it appears no existing Guild contracts will be impacted by this pre-packaged bankruptcy. It also appears the United Media Guild’s negotiations in Rockford will continue without disruption.
We are also negotiating a first contract in Springfield and a contract extension in Peoria. Thus far those talks remain on track as well.
During a conference call with local leaders (including Rockford unit chair Melissa Westphal), national TNG leadership noted that a wage motion was approved in this case. This guarantees that employees will continue getting paid without interruption while the case is pending.
GateHouse hopes to emerge from prepackaged bankruptcy in mid to late November. It expects smooth sailing through the courts.
Unfortunately, TNG and CWA officers have gained extensive experience representing members in all sorts of bankruptcies. We have learned not to take anything for granted.
To that end, attorney Richard Seltzer of Cohen, Weiss & Simon is representing all of current and future members working in GateHouse units. He will keep TNG leadership abreast of all developments in this case as it unfolds.
Since the bankruptcy filing was in Delaware, TNG has also retained local counsel in Wilmington. Susan Kaufman of Cooch and Taylor will on call for us there.