Pursuant to a Voluntary Compliance Agreement signed on March 27, 2023, the GCC-IBT Local 406C will conduct a new election and installation for the office of President under the Secretary of Labor’s supervision in July 2023. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) of the U.S. Department of Labor is responsible for assuring the election is conducted in accordance with Title IV of the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA). Under the OLMS General Rules of the supervised rerun election for Local 406 president, incumbent President Mike LaSpina and challenger Mr. Ted Phillips can each send one email per week. This is Mr. LaSpina's message for the week of May 15, 2023.

Dear Local 406 Members:

            There will be a new election for president of Local 406. I am seeking a fifth term as president and asking for your support.

            These are difficult times in the newspaper industry and publishing world, generally.  The impact of technological advance and online news has been significant and more change – some exciting, some worrisome – is sure to continue.

            The need for steady, reliable leadership with a record of accomplishment has never been more important.     

            Since 2010, I have worked hard to provide the sort of direction that keeps our local strong and united while providing members the very best in pay and working conditions.

            Our relationship with Newsday management is based on fair dealing and mutual respect.  That cooperative spirit has paid off.

            During my presidency, the local has negotiated pay raises amounting to nearly 30 percent.

            We have been able to cap health insurance costs for seven years – remarkable considering the premium hikes being imposed around the country.

            When Newsday outsourced its production and delivery operations in 2019, I and 406 officials secured a buyout package that became a model for the industry.

            These are the kind of results you have a right to demand and that my years as an experienced labor leader allows me to deliver.

            I was hired by Newsday in 1973. The next year, I became a Local 406 vice steward – the beginning of a long union career that includes service as the local’s first business agent and, later, as secretary-treasurer. 

            I personally lead 22 Press helpers in which I was the vice Stewart for that department to the Holiday Inn in Westbury Long Island to vote YES , for the Local to authorize a strike against Newsday when Newsday refuse to negotiate the first contract for Editorial.

            During the period of Tribune Company ownership, I was on the bargaining team that made sure our members continued to prosper. I helped organize the Los Angeles Times pressroom and, here at home, participated in a successful union campaign at AM/New York and recently a drive that brought aboard staff members of Newsday.com.

            Outside Newsday, I remain an active member of the union community. I am a regional vice president of the GCC/IBT North American Newspaper Conference and serve on the executive board of the Long Island Federation of Labor. I am secretary-treasurer of the Allied Printing Trades Council of New York State, a delegate to the New York City Central Labor Council and board member of the Allied Printing Trades Council of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

            Union work has been the most rewarding of my life. I believe in the mission of organized labor – to protect workers and allow them a voice in their own future. At the same time, I am keenly aware of the challenges posed by the multi-media world and global economy.

            During these challenging times, I will provide stability, proven leadership and years of experience.

            I respectfully ask for your vote and another opportunity to serve as Local 406 president.

            Let’s go forward – together.

Fraternally,

Mike LaSpina