Montreal 41M Secy. Denis Fournier, right, accepts cash collected from newspaper conference delegates to help strikers at Centre d'Accèss à L'Information Juridique from conference Pres. Brian Fletcher, Toronto 100M president.

North American Newspaper Conference delegates received updated information about how the recent merger of the GCIU with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is providing new, beefed-up benefits for Graphic Communications Conference/IBT members.

NANC Pres. Brian Fletcher and Tom Donnelly, both of Toronto 100M, noted that, with the help of Teamsters representatives, a decent wage agreement was hammered out for their members who work at The Toronto Star.

Fletcher, Local 100M president, said that "these are the toughest negotiations that we've experienced." He cited the negotiating expertise of Joseph Molinaro, director of the IBT Newspaper, Magazine and Electronic Media Workers Division; and assistance by John Peralta, IBT international representative.

GCC Pres. George Tedeschi advised delegates that, since the GCIU-IBT merger effective Jan. 1, 2005, it was being made increasingly clear because of actions from throughout the 1.4 million member Teamsters union that former GCIU members are welcome and are provided help where needed. As of the newspaper conference in May, he said: "We're all Teamsters–brothers and sisters–the way it should be."

GCC Pres. George Tedeschi addresses newspaper conference delegates.

Joseph Molinaro, director of the IBT Newspaper, Magazine, and Electronic Media Workers Division, advises delegates about changes occurring in the industry.

Carroll Jones, Phoenix 58M president, welcomes delegates.

Toronto 100M Exec. Vice Pres. Tom Donnelly, newspaper conference ser- geant-at-arms, reports of the powerful assistance from Teamsters representatives in Toronto Star negotiations.

Donnelly, Local 100M executive vice president, said the swift and sure assistance from Molinaro and Peralta "is not to be forgotten."

Tedeschi said he has participated in two Teamsters General Executive Board meetings, and GCC members were invited to participate in the Unity Council meeting. "They are happy. They care. They want us," Tedeschi said, noting that the IBT has been patient as various glitches have delayed paying per capita taxes to the IBT.

Because the GCIU was having a per capita tax shortfall from losing members mainly from plant closures, Tedeschi said "this merger bought us time."

However, he emphasized that GCC members and officers must now work hard to keep the GCC and the merger on a successful track.

Regarding a neutrality agreement worked out with Quebecor World leaders to not campaign against the GCC and allow workers to organize without intimidation or reprisals, Tedeschi said the achievement "shows the might of the Teamsters and the GCC." Although GCIU leaders had attempted to obtain such an agreement, he said Quebecor management did not get serious until after the GCIU-IBT merger.

Tedeschi said other benefits of the merger include a strong organizing commitment, extensive educational programs, common employers, as well as strength in numbers.

Boston 600M Pres. George Carlsen praised the Quebecor World neutrality agreement success as a "job well done."

Molinero cited instances how GCC and IBT members can help each other and be stronger. His presentation was accompanied by computer charts and graphs developed and shown by Peralta.

Mathew Wenner, administrator, gave a report on the status of the Employer Retirement Fund. He said the fund has more than $1.2 billion in assets and that trustees are vigilant to keep the fund solvent.

Andrew Douglas, co-chairman of the National Health and Welfare Fund, and Teresa Bauer of cds, which administers the fund, advised how the National Health and Welfare Fund can benefit local unions. A couple of local union leaders confirmed that the H&W Fund can provide improved health care coverage.

Rob Theisen, GCC education coordinator, described the safety program, leadership training, and how members can earn journey status through distance learning via the Internet.

Mike Carlson, a regional attorney with the National Labor Relations Board, gave a presentation on how the NLRB works and how it can help local unions.

The hat was passed to raise money to help Robert J. (Bobby) Bryan, former Midwest Newspaper 128N president, who was critically ill and had medical expenses beyond his ability to pay. Bryan died June 23.

Joseph Scimecca of New York 2N gave an impassioned presentation in behalf of Bryan. He cited Bryan as "the salt of the earth," "militant" and steadfast in his commitment to people, and "a true unionist." Tony Rapp, Local 128N vice president in Cincinnati, and Joseph Inemer, Philadelphia 16N secretary-treasurer, also urged delegates to contribute. James C. Murphy of Philadelphia 4C donated his entire $572.50 winnings from a 50/50 drawing to Bryan.

Delegates also dug into their wallets to assist Montreal 41M members on strike at Centre d'Accèss à L'Information Juridique after a plea by Local 41M Secy. Denis Fournier.

In a race for the NANC presidency between Fletcher and Inemer, Inemer succeeded Fletcher. Fletcher said he appreciated the honor of serving as NANC president and wished Inemer well. NANC Secy.-Treas. Kevin Toomey, Boston 3N secretary-treasurer, thanked Fletcher for his "help and friendship." NANC Rec. Secy. Frank Rak of Local 3N said it was "a privilege to serve with [Fletcher]. Thank you, brother."

Ralph Meers, president of Atlanta 527S and the North American Specialty Conference, invited delegates to attend the specialty conference Aug. 31-Sept. 2 in Atlanta.

Host Local 58M Pres. Carroll Jones opened the conference by welcoming the delegates to Phoenix.

Newspaper conference Tribune caucus members convene. From left around the table are: Stacy Altherr of Nassau County 406C, Dave Pokress of Local 406C, Baltimore 31N Pres. Clyde Clemens, Leonard Lee of Local 31N, Jeff Baker of Philadelphia 4C, Zachary Dowdy of Local 406C, John Peralta, Teamsters international representative; Los Angeles 404M Pres. Paul Garcia, Local 406C Pres. Dennis Grabhorn, Local 406C Secy.-Treas John LaSpina, Mike Desola of Local 406C, Stanley Wilczynski of Chicago 7N, Local 7N Pres.-Secy. John Giannone, Tony Judge, Teamsters Local 706 president; GCC Pres. George Tedeschi, and Doug Nowatowski of the IBT.

GCC Pres. George Tedeschi pauses at the North American Newspaper Conference with a few delegates. From left are: Providence 12N Pres. Thomas Martin, Local 12N Secy.-Treas. Robert D. Randall, Manchester 271M Pres. Robert Bergeron, Dave Lorenzi, former Phoenix 58M president; Richard J. Whitworth, executive assistant to the GCC president; International Rep. Joseph M. O'Connor, and Tedeschi.