Washington-Baltimore News Guild
Executive Council Meeting Minutes
Date of Meeting: December 9, 2020
Present: Elise Bryant, Peter Brusoe, Carl Charles, Hau Chu, David DeJesus, Jazmin Gargoum, Joel Gratz, Don Griesheimer, Mark Gruenberg, Fatima Hussein, Tom Jackman, Marissa Lang, Katie Mettler, Justin Moyer, Sam Nelson, Bill O’Meara, Mark Pattison, Jeremy Sprinkle, Michelle Wang, Emily Woodall
Excused:
Staff & Guests: Rick Ehrmann, Cet Parks, Paul Reilly
Meeting called to order at 7:04 PM
I. Minutes
N/A
II. Membership Report
N/A
III. Executive Director’s Report & Staff
N/A
IV. Financials
November 2020 Summary of Financial Highlights
N/A
V. Old Business
None
VI. New Business
2021 General Membership & EC Meeting Dates
Peter Brusoe motioned to approve GMM and EC 2021 meeting dates and seconded by Don Griesheimer. After further discussion, Peter Brusoe accepted a friendly a friendly amendment to revise 2021 meeting dates. The Motion Passed to approve 2021 GMM and EC meeting dates as follows:
2021 General Membership Meeting Dates: 1/27, 5/19, 9/1, 11/30 (7 PM start time)
2021 EC Meeting Dates: 1/13, 2/1, 3/16, 4/21, 5/19, 6/16, 7/21, 8/18, 9/1, 10/20, 11/30, 12/15 (7 PM start time except meetings following GMM dates)
VII. Sexual Harassment
President Cook presented WBNG resolution on zero tolerance for sexual harassment and assault and discussed Jon Schleuss letter (December 5, 2020) addressing the sexual harassment investigation regarding Pittsburgh Local President Mike Fuoco. Katie Mettler motioned to adopt creation of WBNG zero tolerance sexual harassment resolution and seconded by Jeremy Sprinkle. After further discussion, the Motion Passed.
Fatima Hussein motioned to create a committee dedicated to studying and formulating best practices for our local on how to approach sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, in coordination with TNG and CWA policies. Seconded by Mark Gruenberg. Motion Passed.
VIII. Good & Welfare
Combating Ableism
Peter Brusoe raised concerns regarding language by union leaders and members as it relates to people who are autistic and proposed adoption of a policy around combating ableism to ensure that people with disabilities are equally welcomed, and that the reported language either needs to be denied or an apology should be issued.
Remembering Scott Reynolds
Contribution to the award named after Scott Reynolds in amount of $250 (discussed at last meeting), and to take a moment of silence to remember Scott.
Proposed Party for Rick Ehrmann
Discussed forming a committee to honor Rick Ehrmann’s years of service/retirement celebration. Paul Reilly volunteered to be the staff member on the committee. Mark Gruenberg and Mark Pattison as potential resource.
Debrief from ERC Committee
Will be added to January EC meeting (Tammy Madison to be requested to present report).
SIF Requests
Bill O’Meara – raised awareness of Defense Oversight Committee will be considering SIF requests for bargaining assistance.
IX. Search Committee Update
President Steve Cook provided an update on interviews being conducted to replace Rick Ehrmann who is retiring. Search committee plans to wrap up interviews by early of January. Six candidates have been interviewed, and an additional eight more are scheduled. Rick Ehrmann has offered to stay on as a consultant to facilitate the handover of units currently in bargaining.
X. Adjournment
Peter Brusoe motioned to adjourn and seconded. Meeting adjourned at 8:31 PM.