Guild has Contract in Hilo after Six Years

Stephens Media's Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Hilo, has signed a two-year contract with the Hawaii Newspaper Guild.

The 50 employees represented by the Guild -- all but the separately represented pressmen -- had been working without a pay raise for almost six years. Their new contract offers no increase in the first year and a 1% increase in the second year. Cuts to sick leave, mileage benefits, advertising wage scales and a new lower starting wage also were part of the contract, according to independent news Website Hawaii 24/7.

According to the Guild, the pressmen obtained a similar contract after talks lasting as long as those with the Guild owing to the company's rejection of joint negotiations. The National Labor Relations Board ordered two union leaders fired during the negotiations rehired with back pay. The company is appealing that ruling.