William Schurgin and Kenneth Dolin Featured in The Inlander
"Will Unions Target Small Newspapers?"

William Schurgin and Kenneth Dolin were featured in the article, "Will Unions Target Small Newspapers?," which appeared in the March 2009 issue of The Inlander, a publication for newspaper executives nationwide. The article addressed how not only large newspapers, but small newspapers as well may be targeted by unions. Bill and Ken were quoted in the article based on their comments during a recent Inland Press Webinar. According to Bill, "The old view that unions were always interested in big companies is not true. Small newspapers need to be concerned. There are going to be unions that will come after different newspapers than we would historically think." Bill noted that newspaper companies could potentially see an increase in union activity if the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) becomes law. Ken commented that EFCA, "will make it dramatically easier for unions to organize. This is not going to be great news for many employers."

Will suggested that with the new administration, employers should expect increased government enforcement, as well as increased labor and human rights protections. He noted that now is the time for employers to start preparing for the possibility of a union targeting their company. He explained, "We need to get ahead and be proactive before a union comes into the picture." To boost morale, Will recommended newspapers should increase the use of recognition awards and publicize accomplishments by the paper and its employees. He also said managers should take the time to evaluate the entire newspaper, its policies, employee handbooks and personnel manuals to identify and resolve issues now to prevent the possibility of a union recognizing any vulnerability. Additionally, Will noted that education of supervisors and employees on the impact of unions and newspaper's position on them. Finally, he commented, "This is a wake-up call for all of us who said, 'We won't be the target of a union campaign.'"