The St. Louis Post-Dispatch presented its unionized newsroom staff its “last, best and final offer” Tuesday as managers and employees strain to reach a new labor agreement.
St. Louis Newspaper Guild members, which include reporters, photographers and some other Post-Dispatch staff, are likely to vote on the offer March 27, according to the Guild’s Web site.
The offer calls for a one-time 6 percent wage reduction plus a week-long, unpaid furlough each of the first three years, according to the Guild.
The plan would also eliminate retiree medical benefits and life insurance, freeze current employees’ pensions, and limit the company’s 401(k) retirement fund match to $75.
In exchange, the newspaper would agree not to lay off any Guild employees for at least six months from the ratification of the contract.
The Post-Dispatch, which is owned by Lee Enterprises Inc. of Davenport, Iowa, wants a contract signed by April 1.
[Source: St. Louis Business Journal]
"eliminate retiree medical benefits and life insurance"
ReplyDeleteHere it comes. Throw the retirees under the bus for 6 months of layoff-free living. Then what?
Sure hope Black Press doesn't decide to do this.