By: E&P Staff Truck drivers and delivery platform employees of The Boston Globe have agreed to a new four-year contract.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 259 approved a new agreement that extends from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2008 by a vote of 103 to 65 on Sunday.
Ralph Goscinak, secretary-treasure and principal officer of the union, said in a statement the new contract is a "fair agreement that was achieved in a very difficult economic environment."
Under the new terms, members will receive retroactive salary increases of 2.4%, totaling $24.50 per week for 2005. In 2006, the company will make a one-time bonus payment of $600 per eligible employee in lieu of a salary increase provided that the newspaper's revenues meet specified levels.
During the remaining years of the contract, members will receive a 1.5% increase or $15.50 per week in 2006 and a 1.7% increase or $17.50 per week in 2008 to be paid at six-month intervals provided the newspaper's revenues reach specified levels.
Additionally, the new contract calls for a "two-tier" wage structure affecting new employees, new drug and alcohol testing programs following accidents, and flexibility in loading and drop-off procedures.
The Globe will also make significant cash contributions to the union's health and pension funds during the contract and a one-time bonus payment of $600 to each eligible drive in 2006 in exchange for the new "two-tier" wage structure.
Greg Thornton, senior vice president of operations at the Globe, said the agreement addressed the newspapers need for improved efficiency.
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