By: Joe Strupp Associated Press editorial employees will hold their second byline strike in less than a month later this week, the latest move by union leaders to protest the lack of a new contract.
The Newspaper Guild/CWA Local 31222, representing about 1,700 U.S.-based AP newsroom workers, called for the two-day job action that will begin at noon on Wednesday and affect copy slated for Thursday and Friday publications and wire services. The byline strike follows a similar one-day action on Jan. 10 and the picketing of the AP's New York headquarters on Jan. 16.
The Guild, which has been working without a contract since Nov. 30, reports it is moving closer to an agreement on wage increases, but union leaders said health-benefit rate hikes and the AP's refusal to extend benefits to domestic partners are blocking a new contract. "We remain committed to finding an agreement, but there are serious issues remaining," said Local President Tony Winton.
AP officials have declined to comment on any specific elements of the contract talks, releasing only a statement that said, "We're confident that the wage issues and all other issues will be resolved."
The domestic-partner flap sparked an unusual protest involving AP key chains designed to symbolize the cooperative's commitment to diversity and were given to many employees in recent weeks. More than 300 AP workers have sent the key chains back in protest, Winton said.
The latest management proposal is a two-year contract with a 2.7% pay hike the first year and a 3% raise the second year, according to Winton. Union leaders are asking for a 5% raise in each of the two years. Just two weeks ago, the AP had offered only a 1.9% annual pay increase, with the union seeking an 8% salary hike each year.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here