By: Joe Strupp The News Media Guild launched its bargaining effort with the Associated Press by aiming rather high in its initial contract proposal, which seeks a two-year contract with 10% annual raises, more training, and improved retirement and health benefits.
In a bargaining bulletin posted on the union's Web site, Guild President Tony Winton said: ?Today, we start discussions with AP over its most essential component: its staff, the men and women who collectively are responsible for making ? and keeping ? the AP essential."
Winton was unreachable for comment Wednesday and the guild bulletin offered no further specifics. AP officials declined to comment on bargaining talks.
The Guild?s current contract, which ends Nov. 30, is a three-year deal that included average rises of only about 3.1%, Winton has said. Talks will continue Thursday.
AP is negotiating a new contract as it deals with an ongoing dispute over a new rate structure set to take effect in January. That new rate policy has already drawn opposition from several newspapers, including those owned by Tribune Co., which has given two-year's notice to drop the service.
Guild leaders have said that AP remains profitable and they do not believe the ongoing rate dispute will be a factor in obtaining an acceptable contract.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here