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Many drivers honked in support while others heckled. A police cruiser sat, parked in the vicinity. Some passersby asked questions out of curiosity.
This was the scene outside the South Philly Review office, 12th and Porter streets, last Wednesday when about six Teamsters Union Local 1414 members and Philadelphia Inquirer production employees picketed the 62-year-old community newspaper for about an hour.
Holding handwritten signs on white poster board that read, "Print So. Philly Review in Philly, not in New Jersey" and "So. Philly Review taking jobs away from Philadelphia to a non-union shop in Jersey," the five men and one woman silently paced the sidewalk in front of the office, unhappy with the weekly’s decision to take its printing across the bridge to a what they say is a non-union shop. The changeover went into effect July 16.
"We’ve all done quality work for them for the past 12 years," a protester who did not want to give his name said. "I don’t think it’s fair to save some money."
Another protester chimed in, incredulous, "A local newspaper going to New Jersey to print with non-union employees?"
"We’re against non-union workers," Jeffrey Chambers summed up for this fellow picketers. "We’re just trying to promote Unionism in America. This is a way to further our cause. It seems there is a wave against unions right now in this country."
Union President Mario Pollera was on vacation and Secretary/Treasurer William DeFlorio did not return several phone calls for comment.
According to George Troyano, president and chief operating officer of Review Publishing LLP, which oversees the South Philly Review, Philadelphia Weekly and Atlantic City Weekly, the decision to part ways was not an easy one.
"Review’s decision to suspend our print relationship with the Inquirer came after months of exploration and consideration. The Inquirer has been a solid business partner for nearly a decade. It came down to the economics, creative flexibility and print quality. Tough times require tough decisions. I anticipate that as business needs continue to evolve, we will again look to the Inquirer as a potential printer. We wish them success as we all continue to maneuver our way through these challenging times," Troyano said.
