Pressmen at the Bucks County Courier Times in Fairless Hills, Pa., overwhelmingly voted for representation by Newark 8N.

On July 18, the workers in the bargaining unit at the newspaper voted 11 to 3 to "join hands with Local 8N," said local Pres. Ed Shown, who with Vice Pres. Larry Manziano met with the press unit many times before the election.

"It was a hard-fought battle with charges and counter charges being filed with the National Labor Relations Board," Shown said. "The Courier-Times tried to overwhelm the bargaining unit with anti-union propaganda, but ultimately the chapel in its wisdom opted for union representation," he said.

Shown praised the contributions of Manziano and Local 8N member Bob Litton. Shown said Litton was hired by the newspaper, which is owned by the Calkins Media Group, two years ago and was "instrumental" in helping to win the election.

"Over time, [Litton's] leadership qualities and strong constitution made my and Vice Pres. Manziano's efforts to organize that much more effective," Shown said. He said the bargaining unit elected Litton as chapel chairman immediately after the local received the NLRB's certification of the election on July 27.

Shown said Local 8N sent notice to the Courier Times to begin bargaining and looks forward to achieving a first contract for the pressmen.