Briefs from Guild Reporter

Briefs in the January/March issue of The Guild Reporter

About the Canton Repository
A new two-year contract was ratified Dec. 8 by members of The Canton Repository unit of the Northeast Ohio Newspaper Guild. Wages at the GateHouse-owned newspaper were frozen for 2009, with potential raises in 2010 and 2011 based on targeted increases in The Repository's gross revenue. Changes in the design of the health care plan will lower premium costs somewhat for both employees and the employer, but also will result in increased costs for doctor's office and emergency room visits and prescription drugs.

Aboout McClatchy Co.
The McClatchy Co. is making money, thanks to deep cutbacks and layoffs and a marginally improved economy. But it also kicked off contract negotiations at the Sacramento Bee by putting forward what it calls a "tough proposal" to further cut costs: a reduction in maximum severance pay from 40 weeks to 26, unlimited use of part-time and freelance workers, and the ability to assign Bee employees to do work for other McClatchy newspapers and web sites. Guild negotiators, meanwhile, are trying to roll back a 6% pay cut that was Imposed in the spring, and to restore the company's contributions to employee 401(k) plans.