The Register-Guard should bargain in good faith
May 1 marks the second anniversary of The Register-Guard’s refusal to negotiate a contract with the Eugene Newspaper Guild. What I have heard about The Register-Guard’s tactics saddens me.
Several years ago, I read a book by M. J. Levitt titled “Confessions of a Union Buster.” Levitt chronicles his role in one of the United States’ first union-busting firms. He explains how these firms teach companies how to destroy unions at any cost. It was one of the most frightening accounts I have ever read. I can’t really relate the process in the space available, but I encourage everyone to read the book.
Many things I have heard about Register-Guard tactics during the Guild’s struggle echo Levitt’s book, from reports of union-bashing literature sent to Register-Guard workers to the hiring of a union-busting attorney from Tennessee to negotiate for the owners. This attorney, an outsider, has absolutely no vested interest in the Guild, The Register-Guard or this community.
I ask the owners of The Register-Guard to abandon their attempt to destroy the Guild, beginning with the firing of their outsider negotiator, and returning to face-to-face negotiations with the Guild — a long-standing tradition of the Baker family. If The Register-Guard continues to bargain in what I see as bad faith, as a subscriber of over 20 years, I shall find it necessary to permanently cancel my subscription.

Gary Jarvis

Junction City