Why You Should Join the Guild (If You Haven’t Already)
We’ve heard why some people decline to become dues-paying members of the Guild — you can’t spare the money; you aren’t sure what good it does; you get the same representation whether you pay dues or not.
Some of us who now lead the Guild have said the same thing — in the past. But once we’ve gotten a look behind the curtain, we understand the Guild works for you everyday. Here’s a question: If you think things are tough at the Star now, imagine how much worse they would be without the Guild.
We’re here everyday speaking out on your behalf — about work rules, wages and countless other matters. Soon, we’re about to start negotiations on a new contract. That’s why we need you now — more than ever. Given the damage Gannett has done to The Star with this latest round of layoffs, we need to make a stand — together — and defend the journalism we do and the journalists who do it.
Just think, if the Guild wasn’t here to be a pain in the ass, Gannett would let the ad men write news copy for the front page, send half our jobs out of state and cut your pay back to the minimum wage. Without the Guild, Gannett would turn The Star into a daily shopper’s publication.
If you don’t stand up and be counted, who will? The Guild is here to make the case that good journalism still has a place in Indianapolis. We’re tired of being lashed and beaten. We’re going to make some noise. Do you really want to sit this one out?
Still not buying the motivational speech? Then join the Guild and get reimbursed for a $50 Costco membership. Join and come with us — you and your family — to an annual outing at an Indianapolis Indians game.
You can join by filling out two simple forms. It will take five minutes. One is a membership form. The dues deduction form tells payroll you feel it’s so important to take a stand that you’re willing to set aside a small portion of your pay (0.8 percent) for the cause. Think of it as an investment in your future, and that of good journalism in Indianapolis.
Fill out the forms and return them to a Guild officer.
It’s time to stand up and be counted. Let Gannett know we will not sit quietly by while they destroy The Star.
