December 23, 2022
The Guild and AP met Tuesday to continue discussions of the company’s proposed reorganization and merger of the Customer Support and Global Help Desk staff within the Technology Unit.
The AP provided an outline and proposed schedule for the cross-training of GHD and CS staff that would include training via zoom meetings, practice sessions to go over the topics, pairing of staff with peers for continuous cross-training. The AP provided a list of programs and systems each team currently uses and the other team will have to learn.
The training is expected to begin in January and last through the end of March, with practice weeks built in. The AP said they envision the integrated model beginning about 45 days after contract ratification and the entire process with the ultimate goal of proficiency lasting approximately one year.
The guild asked how staffing shortages would affect the training, which is expected to take place during regular working hours and the AP replied they are planning to post jobs to fill positions.
AP attorney Steve Macri announced he is retiring and introduced colleague Patrick Collins, who will replace him for the company.
The AP was also represented by Teresita Seeberger, senior director of global human resources; Keisa Caesar, human resources manager; Hilda Auguste, director of human resources operations and technology; Helen Fridman, senior director of global technology support; and Reseann Treloar, senior director of customer support.
Representing the guild were: Vin Cherwoo, a sports writer from New York; John Braunreiter, a customer support specialist from Milwaukee; Kim Kruesi, a newsperson from Nashville, Tenn.; Ed Morsett, a global help desk specialist from Phoenix; and administrator Kevin Keane.