Memphis 'Commercial Appeal,' Guild Negotiate Concessions

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By: E&P Staff The Commercial Appeal is studying a concessions package proposed yesterday by the Memphis Newspaper Guild to save jobs. The two sides were slated to resume negotiations this morning.

Concessions include a two-year pension freeze, forgoing retroactive pay, and accepting a company proposal on mileage at a rate below that allowed by the Internal Revenue Service.

In a message to members, Guild President Daniel Connolly said, "We propose current contract language on outsourcing, jurisdiction and other key issues." Although contract language permits the company to outsource work, it prohibits the firing of members who do work that is outsourced -- a provision the company seeks, according to Connolly.

Commercial Appeal executives couldn't be reached immediately to confirm resumption of negotiations or the company's position on outsourcing.

The Guild estimates that its proposed two-year pension freeze on future benefits for current employees, not retirees, will save the company approximately $1.2 million, and it expects its other concessions "would likely save the company additional millions."

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