Union-Tribune Employees to Stage ‘Working Strike’

Employees of the San Diego Union and Tribune had no immediate plans to strike Sunday evening, but a member of the San Diego Newspaper Guild said job actions will begin Tuesday that will constitute a “working strike.”

“People in every department will be doing everything they can that’s legal to show management that they depend on our good will,” said Ed Jahn, guild president. “Some people may refuse to use their personal cars for work-related assignments. Others may stop writing their stories at 5:30, when their shifts are over.”

Jahn said a rally has been planned to take place inside the Union-Tribune building Tuesday, but he declined to give specifics.

“We have never condoned vandalism or intimidation tactics,” he said. “On the other hand, management has to know that we’re human beings, and when people get wrapped tight or humiliated, they may react as they see fit.”

Herbert Klein, editor in chief of Copley Newspapers, publisher of the morning Union and the afternoon Tribune, said: “Whatever they’re going to do, we’ll be prepared to handle it. I would presume that their professionalism will prevail.”

Guild members have worked without a contract since June, 1988. No negotiations have been held between the Union-Tribune management and the guild since talks broke off early Saturday, when, shortly before 12:30 a.m., negotiators for Copley Newspapers rejected a guild proposal for a three-year contract that included a major concession to do away with the closed shop that currently forces all employees represented by the guild, whether members or not, to pay dues. The announced strike deadline had been 12:01 a.m. Saturday.

Since then, negotiators for the guild, which represents about 1,150 reporters, photographers and advertising, circulation and other employees, have said a walkout could come at any time.

“The most effective strike in the newspaper business is a surprise strike,” said Craig Rose, a Union reporter and a member of the guild’s strike steering committee. “We want to have an effective strike.”

Late Sunday, an answering machine at strike headquarters played this taped message:

“A meeting was held today to make preparations for a possible strike which we could call at any time. We’ve appreciated all of your support so far. We want people to continue to get ready. Wear your running shoes next week. Take your strike gear with you to the office. We are getting ready. . . . Keep the faith.”