INKY CYBERATTACK
Hi all.
I just wanted to check in to acknowledge the many concerns about not hearing anything definitive from The Inquirer about whether personal data has been compromised in the cyberattack.
The company has insisted it has no answers on that yet. As I told the New York Times reporter when he asked me about that, I understand how complex this situation is but not having answers to that question three days after the first disruption to our publishing system was detected is frustrating, scary and anxiety-provoking.
I informed the head of labor relations this morning that if it is found that our data has been compromised, we would want at least two years of free credit protection for each employee, as NBCUniversal employees were provided after that company was hacked.
This situation obviously has underscored a need for more security protection, something the publisher announced today will be undertaken. Your bargaining team will also be pressing for more commitment to this issue and any fallout from it, along with other tech matters, when we resume contract negotiations next week. We took a break this week because of election-coverage demands.
The company told me yesterday steps were taken to ensure that all employees will be paid on time this week. Anyone with expenses who cannot get access to Oracle, please let your supervisors know. I have asked the company to consider a grace period for the filing of expenses because of the systems problems. I have not heard back on that yet.
Most importantly, try not to panic. We will keep pushing for answers and will make sure they are passed on to you as soon as they are available. Having worked all weekend through the height of the disruption, I can assure you our IT people, along with outside professionals, are working unceasingly to get this figured out and understand the extent of the damage.
That the company is going to install new security software is a solid first step. But we need and deserve lots more answers.
We maintain bargaining needs to accelerate and soon get to a fruitful conclusion so that the focus can be on fixing these very serious deficiencies. Progress is being made on matters that you all have identified as important to you, including more parental and sick leave, more quantifiable commitments on diversity, equity and inclusion, and, of course, pay raises. But the Guild is pressing for more from the company in each of those categories … because YOU DESERVE IT! That has been underscored by the commitment and professionalism exhibited by all of you during this cyberattack crisis.
Thanks for your dedication, the essence of a Guild member.
If you have any questions, please respond to this bulletin, or email (dimastrull@gmail.com) me directly.
In solidarity,
Diane
