Guild: AP Problems Should Not Hinder Contract Talks

By: Joe Strupp Leaders of the News Media Guild, which represents some 1,500 Associated Press employees, do not believe the ongoing troubles with some member newspapers threatening to leave over a new rate structure will impede their efforts to get a new, fair contract.

Tony Winton, president of the guild unit that will begin bargaining today, says the AP has shown rising profits in recent years and is able to pay a fair wage and other benefits. He said the recent conflict with some newspapers over the new rates, and other complaints, should not be an excuse for lesser benefits for employees.

"The foundation of the company is still strong," he said. "Profits are up 80% between 2006 and 2007 and we are thrilled the company is doing so well, people are working hard. If the company is doing well, that reflects on the hard work of the staff."

AP Spokesman Paul Colford declined to comment on the situation Tuesday.

Contract talks will begin as AP continues to work with member newspapers to institute a new rate structure in 2009. Some papers, such as The Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Bakersfield Californian, have recently given the required two-years' notice to drop AP in reaction to the rates and other concerns about coverage. Just last week, Tribune Co. gave notice for its nine daily papers, which include the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times.

Winton said member newspapers often give notice, adding that some of them have been more public this year because of the new rate structure: "It is not uncommon for newspapers, including large ones, to give notice to AP to get a better deal. It is really only more public than it has been before. I don?t think it is something that is worth reacting to."

Asked if the union supported or opposed newspapers giving notice in reaction to the rate structure or other concerns, Winton said "our position is we want AP to be successful and share in that success. I know these papers want this material, and all of the other clients. The question is how to overcome these hurdles."

He also said the recent hiring freeze, effective through the end of 2008, is not a major issue. "The company has been implementing this on and off for the last year," he said, noting the ongoing restructuring of some copy editing desks and other assignments. "I think AP is just reacting to the market to a degree."

The union's current three-year contract is set to end Nov. 30, Winton said, adding that it included average annual raises of about 3.1%. He declined to say what kind of salary increases or benefits the union would seek in the upcoming talks.

"The company is going to make its argument and we will make our argument," he said. "I am sure the company will bargain in good faith."