Unit chairs representing the McClatchy Co.’s Bee newspapers met in Modesto recently to launch a unity campaign.

Ed Fletcher of Sacramento, Marijke Rowland of Modesto and Bethany Clough of Fresno (left to right in photo) agreed to a program centered on mobilizing members, improving communication and coordinating bargaining.

“The more we coordinate the better,” Rowland said. “The three Bees are intricately linked — what happens at one affects the others. So the more we talk the stronger we become.”

Rowland and Fletcher, both experienced Guild leaders, welcomed Clough as the new unit chair in Fresno, taking over from long-time Guild leader Sandy Nax, who recently left the paper for a new career.

The three leaders plan a series of projects, starting with a membership drive. Contract talks are under way in Sacramento, and are expected to begin this fall in Fresno — and early chance to put the coordination goal to the test.