The National Writers Union Open Letter
To Al Gore About The Google Book Settlement
September 1, 2009
Honorable Al Gore
2100 West End Avenue
Suite 620
Nashville, TN 37203
Dear Vice President Gore:
As a national leader with a distinguished career in public service, we are seeking your help in protecting the rights and economic well-being of our members on a matter of great public interest.
The proposed settlement between Google, the Authors Guild and the Association of American Publishers threatens to monopolize the access, distribution and pricing of the world’s largest digital book database. As a senior advisor to Google and given your personal relationship with co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, we respectfully ask you to urge Google’s management to petition the court for a delay in settlement proceedings so that writers have more time to examine this complex agreement. The court deadline for our members to “opt-out” of the program is September 4, and the court could close the entire process down and approve the private settlement on October 7. We believe that both dates should be postponed.
The proposed settlement would give Google monopolistic control over access to many previously published copyrighted books and materials. It would also give Google a license to reproduce a writer’s copyrighted work unless the writer specifically tells Google to remove his or her work from the program. This is grossly unfair. No corporation should be able to profit from the work of our members without first obtaining their permission in writing.
The National Writers Union/United Auto Workers Local 1981 is the nation’s only labor union and advocacy organization for freelance writers in all genres, media and formats. We have joined a growing number of voices who are raising concerns about the settlement as the court deadlines loom. There has been no formal public process for stakeholders to have real input on the myriad details of this settlement. We hope that you will use your leadership position at Google to impress upon management that a settlement as revolutionary and unprecedented as this one deserves more public input and scrutiny.
You have always fought for workers and creators and have been a pioneer in the digital age. Your strong pro-consumer record is unassailable. Today, labor truly needs your help. With Labor Day just around the corner, we hope that you hear our call.
In Solidarity,
Larry Goldbetter
President
National Writers Union/UAW Local 1981
(212) 254-0279 ext. 814
Sunday, September 13, 2009
NWU JOINS OPEN BOOK ALLIANCE
At its Aug. 25 monthly meeting, the National Writers Union was informed that it has progressed so much in the past few months that the United Auto Workers has decided to begin giving the NWU complete autonomy. The NWU should be out of administratorship by the end of the year.
The NWU leadership also voted for the NWU joining the Open Book Alliance. A press release was written a few days later and is printed below.
NWU JOINS OPEN BOOK ALLIANCE
NEW YORK -- The National Writers Union announced today that it has joined the Open Book Alliance: a diverse coalition of writers' organizations, librarians, activists, legal scholars and corporations who object to the proposed Google Book Settlement.
"We are happy to join the Open Book Alliance, which shares many of our concerns about the proposed Google Book Settlement," said Larry Goldbetter, president of the National Writers Union/UAW Local 1981. "The proposed settlement is patently unfair to writers and could set a dangerous legal precedent."
Earlier this week, the National Writers Union called on former Vice President Al Gore, in his capacity as a senior advisor to Google, to use his considerable influence to urge Google to seek a delay in the settlement proceedings. The National Writers Union announced its objection to the proposed Google Book Settlement last month.
"Google's book scanning project is one the largest cases of copyright infringement since the United States Constitution was adopted in 1789," Goldbetter said. "The multibillion-dollar corporation scanned more than seven million different books without permission from the copyright owners. In an attempt to placate its victims, Google is throwing some crumbs to writers." Google enjoyed a net income of more than $4.5 billion last year. It is offering writers as little as $60 per infringed book and $15 per infringed article.
"It's a bad deal," Goldbetter said. "Along with the other members of the Open Book Alliance, the National Writers Union wants to promote a fair alternative to the proposed settlement."
The National Writers Union is the nation's only labor union and advocacy organization for freelance writers in all genres, media, and formats. In addition to print media writers, NWU represents electronic writers and editors of blogs, Web sites and e-newsletters. The NWU is affiliated with the United Auto Workers (UAW), which is a member of the AFL-CIO. The NWU's headquarters are at 113 University Place, 6th floor, New York, NY 10003.
The NWU leadership also voted for the NWU joining the Open Book Alliance. A press release was written a few days later and is printed below.
NWU JOINS OPEN BOOK ALLIANCE
NEW YORK -- The National Writers Union announced today that it has joined the Open Book Alliance: a diverse coalition of writers' organizations, librarians, activists, legal scholars and corporations who object to the proposed Google Book Settlement.
"We are happy to join the Open Book Alliance, which shares many of our concerns about the proposed Google Book Settlement," said Larry Goldbetter, president of the National Writers Union/UAW Local 1981. "The proposed settlement is patently unfair to writers and could set a dangerous legal precedent."
Earlier this week, the National Writers Union called on former Vice President Al Gore, in his capacity as a senior advisor to Google, to use his considerable influence to urge Google to seek a delay in the settlement proceedings. The National Writers Union announced its objection to the proposed Google Book Settlement last month.
"Google's book scanning project is one the largest cases of copyright infringement since the United States Constitution was adopted in 1789," Goldbetter said. "The multibillion-dollar corporation scanned more than seven million different books without permission from the copyright owners. In an attempt to placate its victims, Google is throwing some crumbs to writers." Google enjoyed a net income of more than $4.5 billion last year. It is offering writers as little as $60 per infringed book and $15 per infringed article.
"It's a bad deal," Goldbetter said. "Along with the other members of the Open Book Alliance, the National Writers Union wants to promote a fair alternative to the proposed settlement."
The National Writers Union is the nation's only labor union and advocacy organization for freelance writers in all genres, media, and formats. In addition to print media writers, NWU represents electronic writers and editors of blogs, Web sites and e-newsletters. The NWU is affiliated with the United Auto Workers (UAW), which is a member of the AFL-CIO. The NWU's headquarters are at 113 University Place, 6th floor, New York, NY 10003.
NWU TO GORE: DELAY SETTLEMENT
On September 1, the National Writers Union called on former Vice President Al Gore to use his considerable influence to urge Google Inc. to seek a delay in the proceedings of the Google Book Settlement.
Gore is a Senior Advisor to Google and is said to be a friend of Google''s co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin. In a letter faxed today to Gore, NWU President Larry Goldbetter said the delay is needed because the settlement is
complex and stakeholders need more time to examine the agreement. The court deadline for writers to "opt-out" of the program is Friday, Sept. 4. The court could close the entire process down and approve the settlement on Oct. 7.
To read the NWU''s open letter to Vice President Gore, go to the Google Settlement page.
Gore is a Senior Advisor to Google and is said to be a friend of Google''s co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin. In a letter faxed today to Gore, NWU President Larry Goldbetter said the delay is needed because the settlement is
complex and stakeholders need more time to examine the agreement. The court deadline for writers to "opt-out" of the program is Friday, Sept. 4. The court could close the entire process down and approve the settlement on Oct. 7.
To read the NWU''s open letter to Vice President Gore, go to the Google Settlement page.
NWU FILES BRIEF OPPOSING GOOGLE SETTLEMENT
NEW YORK, NY -- On September 8, the National Writers Union filed legal objections to the proposed settlement of the Google Books copyright infringement lawsuit. In the brief filed today in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, the NWU joins as a "friend of the court" in support of objections also being made by the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) and 58 individual authors.
"The proposed settlement is an abuse of the law and unfair to writers," said National Writers Union President Larry Goldbetter. ""It has prompted justified outrage and objections from writers of all types, across the country and around the world.
"The National Writers Union felt compelled to support the opposition to the settlement," Goldbetter said. "We must defend writers'' legal, economic, and moral rights. We can''t let Google or any megacorporation steal our work, republish it and sell ads around it without permission and paying us only a pittance."
The NWU is fighting the proposed settlement in court, with the antitrust division of the Department of Justice, through Congress, and via efforts with coalition partners such as the ASJA and the Open Book Alliance. Last week, the NWU called on former Vice President Al Gore, a Google senior advisor, to urge Google to seek a delay in the settlement proceedings. The NWU announced its objection to the proposed Google Book Settlement last month.
The NWU''s amicus curiae brief was filed by co-counsel Michael J. Guzman, partner with Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel, and Lynn Chu, Esq., principal of the literary agency Writers Reps.
"We are grateful that these attorneys volunteered to represent the NWU and the cause of writers' rights," NWU President Goldbetter said. "This is not a partisan or ideological issue. We invite all writers to join us to fight this theft of our rights," he added.
"The proposed settlement is an abuse of the law and unfair to writers," said National Writers Union President Larry Goldbetter. ""It has prompted justified outrage and objections from writers of all types, across the country and around the world.
"The National Writers Union felt compelled to support the opposition to the settlement," Goldbetter said. "We must defend writers'' legal, economic, and moral rights. We can''t let Google or any megacorporation steal our work, republish it and sell ads around it without permission and paying us only a pittance."
The NWU is fighting the proposed settlement in court, with the antitrust division of the Department of Justice, through Congress, and via efforts with coalition partners such as the ASJA and the Open Book Alliance. Last week, the NWU called on former Vice President Al Gore, a Google senior advisor, to urge Google to seek a delay in the settlement proceedings. The NWU announced its objection to the proposed Google Book Settlement last month.
The NWU''s amicus curiae brief was filed by co-counsel Michael J. Guzman, partner with Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel, and Lynn Chu, Esq., principal of the literary agency Writers Reps.
"We are grateful that these attorneys volunteered to represent the NWU and the cause of writers' rights," NWU President Goldbetter said. "This is not a partisan or ideological issue. We invite all writers to join us to fight this theft of our rights," he added.
Friday, August 21, 2009
UPCOMING UAW EVENTS
1. Aug. 30-Sept. 4
2009 International UAW Veteran's Conference
Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center
Onaway, Mich.
2. Sept. 10-Sept. 12
2009 Region 4 Competitive Shop IPS/TOP Conference
UAW Pat Greathouse Education Center
Ottawa, Ill.
(workshops on Workplace Violence and the Dislocated Worker)
(elections of Region 4 UAW IPS Executive Board)
3. Sept. 18-Sept. 20
Region 4 Skilled Trades Conference
UAW Pat Greathouse Educational Center
Ottawa, Ill.
4. Sept. 24
Chicago Jobs With Justice rally on economic crisis
downtown Chicago
Anyone interested in attending any of these events should contact NWU Chicago chapter head Martin Zabell at 708-832-2595
2009 International UAW Veteran's Conference
Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center
Onaway, Mich.
2. Sept. 10-Sept. 12
2009 Region 4 Competitive Shop IPS/TOP Conference
UAW Pat Greathouse Education Center
Ottawa, Ill.
(workshops on Workplace Violence and the Dislocated Worker)
(elections of Region 4 UAW IPS Executive Board)
3. Sept. 18-Sept. 20
Region 4 Skilled Trades Conference
UAW Pat Greathouse Educational Center
Ottawa, Ill.
4. Sept. 24
Chicago Jobs With Justice rally on economic crisis
downtown Chicago
Anyone interested in attending any of these events should contact NWU Chicago chapter head Martin Zabell at 708-832-2595
Thursday, August 20, 2009
ILLINOIS HONORS NWU
State of Illinois
Executive Department
Springfield, Illinois
PROCLAMATION
Presented this 7th Day of August 2009
Whereas: The National Writers Union UAW 1981 is the only labor union that represents freelance and contract writers in all genres, formats, and media; and
Whereas, as a union for freelancers, the National Writers Union (NWU) works to improve the economic and working conditions for writers; and
Whereas, the NWU seeks to achieve this goal by educating and empowering its members and by working with writers in regards to protecting copyrights, fighting corporate media, and advocating for legislation that protects the rights of writers everywhere; and
Whereas, the National Writers Union represents approximately 1,500 members in 17 chapters across the United States; and
Whereas on August 5-9, 2009 the national delegates assembly of the National Writers Union will meet in Chicago. This marks the first time that this legislative body has met in the Midwest;
Therefore, be it resolved, by the State of Illinois, that I hereby welcome the National Writers Union national delegates assembly to the Land of Lincoln and offer my best wishes for an enjoyable and productive meeting.
Executive Department
Springfield, Illinois
PROCLAMATION
Presented this 7th Day of August 2009
Whereas: The National Writers Union UAW 1981 is the only labor union that represents freelance and contract writers in all genres, formats, and media; and
Whereas, as a union for freelancers, the National Writers Union (NWU) works to improve the economic and working conditions for writers; and
Whereas, the NWU seeks to achieve this goal by educating and empowering its members and by working with writers in regards to protecting copyrights, fighting corporate media, and advocating for legislation that protects the rights of writers everywhere; and
Whereas, the National Writers Union represents approximately 1,500 members in 17 chapters across the United States; and
Whereas on August 5-9, 2009 the national delegates assembly of the National Writers Union will meet in Chicago. This marks the first time that this legislative body has met in the Midwest;
Therefore, be it resolved, by the State of Illinois, that I hereby welcome the National Writers Union national delegates assembly to the Land of Lincoln and offer my best wishes for an enjoyable and productive meeting.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT STRENGTHENED IN ILLINOIS
Below is a press release from The Chicago Headline Club
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act has been strengthened, thanks to Gov. Pat Quinn signing revisions to FOIA Aug. 17. Thanks also go to Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who led the effort to make government in Illinois more transparent.
Taking effect Jan. 1, the law “makes state government more accountable to the people we serve,” Quinn said.
“The people of Illinois will now have a greater ability to know what their government is doing,” Madigan said.
The law, for the first time in Illinois, will prevent government officials from ignoring FOI requests. The law formalizes an Illinois public access counselor, who will be authorized to issue decisions on a case-by-case basis, finding that public bodies should or should not release information. People can go to court to seek enforcement of the counselor’s decision. Government bodies that break the law can be fined $2,500 to $5,000.
“We would have preferred bypassing the courts and allowing the counselor to issue fines, but this is a huge step in the right direction,” said Susan S. Stevens, Chicago Headline Club FOI vice president who was among numerous journalists and public interest group representatives who served on the task force Madigan created to revise FOIA.
Another benefit of the law: a reduction from seven days to five the length of time that officials have to provide information. Also in the law: fewer excuses officials have in delaying release of information.
An additional thanks to all of you who wrote Quinn to urge him to sign this legislation, Public Act 96-0542.
You can view the new law at http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/96/096-0542.htm.
The law also requires the governor’s office to maintain a Web site with information on state boards and commissions and implements stricter ethics standards for members of boards and commissions. The sites are: accountability.illinois.gov and appointments.illinois.gov.
“As newspapers continue to struggle economically, as public reliance on blogs and the Internet continues to grow, the burden of being a watchdog on government will increasingly fall to private citizens,” said Southtown Star columnist Phil Kadner, former CHC FOI vp who also was on the task force and had urged Madigan since she took office to work toward a stronger FOIA. “I believe this revised law, which I have advocated for nearly a decade, will give private citizens the weapons they need to do precisely that.”
Still pending: legislation to create a federal Shield Law. CHC and SPJ urge you to contact Sens. Dick Durbin and Roland Burris to urge them to stand fast for this measure.
For more on this and other developments, see www.headlineclub.org.
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act has been strengthened, thanks to Gov. Pat Quinn signing revisions to FOIA Aug. 17. Thanks also go to Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who led the effort to make government in Illinois more transparent.
Taking effect Jan. 1, the law “makes state government more accountable to the people we serve,” Quinn said.
“The people of Illinois will now have a greater ability to know what their government is doing,” Madigan said.
The law, for the first time in Illinois, will prevent government officials from ignoring FOI requests. The law formalizes an Illinois public access counselor, who will be authorized to issue decisions on a case-by-case basis, finding that public bodies should or should not release information. People can go to court to seek enforcement of the counselor’s decision. Government bodies that break the law can be fined $2,500 to $5,000.
“We would have preferred bypassing the courts and allowing the counselor to issue fines, but this is a huge step in the right direction,” said Susan S. Stevens, Chicago Headline Club FOI vice president who was among numerous journalists and public interest group representatives who served on the task force Madigan created to revise FOIA.
Another benefit of the law: a reduction from seven days to five the length of time that officials have to provide information. Also in the law: fewer excuses officials have in delaying release of information.
An additional thanks to all of you who wrote Quinn to urge him to sign this legislation, Public Act 96-0542.
You can view the new law at http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/96/096-0542.htm.
The law also requires the governor’s office to maintain a Web site with information on state boards and commissions and implements stricter ethics standards for members of boards and commissions. The sites are: accountability.illinois.gov and appointments.illinois.gov.
“As newspapers continue to struggle economically, as public reliance on blogs and the Internet continues to grow, the burden of being a watchdog on government will increasingly fall to private citizens,” said Southtown Star columnist Phil Kadner, former CHC FOI vp who also was on the task force and had urged Madigan since she took office to work toward a stronger FOIA. “I believe this revised law, which I have advocated for nearly a decade, will give private citizens the weapons they need to do precisely that.”
Still pending: legislation to create a federal Shield Law. CHC and SPJ urge you to contact Sens. Dick Durbin and Roland Burris to urge them to stand fast for this measure.
For more on this and other developments, see www.headlineclub.org.
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