OUTLINE OF TNG-CWA HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM

Part I:

Objective of TNG-CWA's Human Rights Program

TNG-CWA’s Human Rights Program seeks the integration of human rights principles in all we do leading to a discrimination-free workplace and equality for all members — on the job, in the union, industry and community. We seek in the Guild, specifically, full participation, representative leadership and fair representation and in the industry, workforce diversity and the fair, accurate coverage of minority communities.

In this section you can expect topics relevant to organizing, bargaining, contract enforcement, coalition building including international affairs, leadership development, legal and legislative action.

I. STRUCTURE: TNG-CWA mandates the creation of Standing Local Human Rights Committees according to its Constitution, Article XI, Section 20

A. ORGANIZING: "Strength in numbers, security in a contract" Leaders, organizers and members working affirmatively for diversity, tolerance and understanding in a changing workplace

B. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING: "An Advantage to Equity" Bargaining Program, Recommendations and Provisions re:

1. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION:

  ♦  Fair-Employment Practices(FEP) (Clause Study Available). Sex, race, color, national origin, age, disability, marital or parental status, family relationship, sexual orientation, religion, creed, veteran status

  ♦  Pay, benefits, other terms and working, working conditions

  ♦  Diversity, Affirmative Action in the U.S. and Employment Equity in Canada

  ♦  The Right to Payroll Data to determine patterns of discrimination

2. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT Goals and Contract Provisions i.e.:

  ♦  Pay Equity

  ♦  Family and Medical Leaves (CWA Booklet available)

  ♦  Child and Dependent Care subsidies, salary deferral plans

  ♦  Alternative Work Options Flex-/Reduced week/Part-time/Temp/Job Sharing

  ♦  Education and Training equal access

  ♦  Domestic Partner Benefits

  ♦  Workplace & Domestic Violence

3. ENFORCEMENT "The Union Way to End Discrimination": Grievance, Arbitration, Legal and Community Action

4. LEGISLATIVE/POLITICAL ACTION:

  ♦  Canada:  Ontario Pay Equity Act, Employment Equity

  ♦  U.S.:  Title VII of 1964, Equal Pay Act, Family and Medical Leave Act and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Genetic Testing, Fair Pay Act

5. COALESCE!:  Labor, Journalists, Women’s, Civil Rights, Disability and Religious Groups i.e.

  ♦  Labor Associations: Coalition of Labor Union Women, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance; Labor Council for Latin American Advancement; A. Philip Randolph Institute; Pride at Work

  ♦  Minority Journalist Associations: National Association of Hispanic Journalists, National Association of Black Journalists, Asian-American Journalists Association, National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association, Native American Journalist Association

Part II: :
Tips for Implementing a Local Human Rights Program

1. STRUCTURE:  Set-up a Committee according to TNG-CWA’s Constitution Article 11 Section 20

   
   TOOLS:  (All available to Locals from TNG-CWA's Human Rights Director)

2.   ♦  Pamphlets: "Human Rights Committees in The Newspaper Guild-CWA"

     ♦  Local Contract(s)

     ♦  Guild Collective Bargaining Program and Recommendations

     ♦  Guild Constitution

     ♦  Computer, Internet Access and Browser (Suggested, but not mandatory)

     ♦  TNG-CWA Online Human Rights Directory

     ♦  Diversity Dictionary

     ♦  Employer Payroll Data and The Union’s Right to Data (U.S. and Canada) and a Sample Request for  Information (U.S.)

     ♦  TNG-CWA for CWA Brochures, Guild Local Discrimination Surveys

     ♦  TNG –CWA Wage Comparisons and Fair Employment Practices Clause Study

     ♦  Legal Memos: (U.S.)- ADA, FMLA, Affirmative Action

     ♦  TNG-CWA and CWA Legal Policies

     ♦  TNG-CWA Legislative Alerts SAMPLE PROGRAMS & LOCAL BULLETINS:

3.   ♦  Pay Equity Strategies

     ♦  Domestic Violence

     ♦  Fair Representation and Remedies

     ♦  What is Harassment?

     ♦  Age Discrimination

     ♦  Family and Medical Leave

     ♦  Accommodating Disabilities

     ♦  Domestic Partners Benefits

     ♦  Child/Dependent Care

     ♦  Prejudice Reduction

     ♦  Women: Pension, Retirement and Social Security

     ♦  Fair Medical Insurance Practices

For more information, contact your local or e-mail The Guild at guild@cwa-union.org