journalontrial.org

NLRB Trial 1

Sept. 16, 2002
GUILTY on 22!

Judge: Back Pay & Compensation Due to Guild Members
Ruling (.pdf) (.zip) [48 pages, 3.8 megs] • Trial coverage

When: February 25 - March 5, 2002 Advance 2.25.02 Journal's Trial Starts Today
The Providence Journal's trial on 46 charges that it violated federal labor laws begins today in Pawtucket City Hall.
Day 1 2.25-2.26.02 Journal, Guild to talk Tuesday
At the suggestion of a federal judge, the Providence Journal yesterday agreed to meet in a bargaining session with the Guild this morning. Final \| Early
Day 2 2.26-2.27.02 Talks fail; trial resumes
In a two-hour bargaining session yesterday morning, the Providence Journal rejected a proposal from the Providence Newspaper Guild, and made no proposals of its own. Final \| Early \| Breaking
Day 3 2.27-2.28.02 Information, please Guild Administrator Tim Schick yesterday testified that the Providence Journal failed to provide, or delayed providing, information that the Guild needed, while company lawyer Richard A. Perras sought to show that the Guild's information requests were unnecessary and burdensome. Final \| Early \| First
Day 4 2.28- 3.01.02 Boycott at issue Journal lawyer Richard A. Perras sought to use a letter of support for the Providence Newspaper Guild from the International Longshoremen's Union as evidence that the Guild's preparations for a reader boycott had hurt the company, but Administrative Law Judge William G. Kocol would not allow the letter to be admitted. Final \| Early
Day 5 3.01.02 Guild Members Testify Three Providence Newspaper Guild members took the witness stand today to testify that the Providence Journal made unilateral changes in working conditions, in what federal officials consider a violation of labor law. Final
3.03.02 Weekend Analysis Prosecution to rest case tomorrow The National Labor Relations Board expects to rest its case against the Providence Journal tomorrow.
Day 6 3.04 -3.05.02 Senior editors disagree about who changed policy Two high-ranking Providence Journal editors appeared to contradict each other yesterday -- each asserting that the other was responsible for a change in policy -- on the sixth day of the Journal's trial on nearly four dozen charges of violating federal labor law. Final \| Early
Day 7 3.05.02 Journal's trial ends The National Labor Relations Board today withdrew its allegation that the Providence Journal had farmed out advertising-sales work that belonged to bargaining-unit members. Final \| Early
Aftermath: Analysis 3.06.02 Journal had little defense The Providence Journal presented virtually no defense against the major charges in its trial on federal labor-law violations this week and last. Final

NLRB Trial 2

April 14, 2003

Journal guilty on 5 counts, some charges dropped

Ruling
(.pdf)
(html - one 26-page file)
(added 12.5.03)

Press release • Charges

When: Began Monday, Oct. 21, 2002, 11 a.m.; ended Wednesday Oct. 23.

Advance / Oct 20 - Charges explained

Day 1 / Monday, Oct. 22 • Journal denies retaliation In first day of NLRB trial, company explains its position, Schick testifies

Day 2 / Tuesday, Oct. 23 • Reporter Ziner takes the stand, tells of award-winning career and transfer to 'night cops'; Guild and management witnesses testify

Day 3 / Wednesday, Oct. 24 • After company witnesses, trial ends · Metro M.E. Heslin: Night job was for young but 'proven' state staffers · H.R. chief McDonough: Monti's leave was unauthorized • Details of Trial Testimony about Features Department

Trial Background
The Guild has been without a contract since 1999.
• Who's who at the trial
• Index of NLRB complaints

Contract dispute
• The Guild's view of the dispute: On negotiations, on censorship, on the exodus of staff
• Index of Guild Leader newsletters from January 20, 1997 to now

• Bargaining Bulletins

• Providence Newspaper Guild

Contact: png@riguild.org

National Labor Relations Board documents
• 5/23/02 Text of NLRB complaint (20 new charges)
• 9/29/2001 Text of NLRB Fourth order consolidating cases... (11 new charges, a total of 47)
• 5/23/01 Text of NLRB complaint (6 new charges)
• 2/28/2001 Text of NLRB complaint (10 new charges)
• 12/20/2000 Text of NLRB complaint against Journal (20 charges)