Newsday Publisher, Union to Reach Impasse Soon?

Newsday publisher Terry Jimenez has sent a letter to the newsroom union's president, Michael O'Connor, advising him of what may be the next step in the negotiation proceedings — since the Melville, L.I., daily and the union can’t seem to agree on a contract.

Jimenez refers to Newsday’s “last, best and final offer” to the union, and if it isn’t accepted, both parties will be at an impasse.

The letter, first posted on Romenesko, follows:

Dear Mike,

I want to reiterate my appreciation for all of the time and effort given by the Union's bargaining committee during our negotiations over the last seven months.

However, given the circumstances, this letter is to advise you that the terms contained in the Memorandum of Agreement for each bargaining unit constitute Newsday's last, best and final offer. Unless Local 406 informs me, in writing, by 5:00 p.m., July 5, 2010, that a binding collective bargaining agreement exists between Newsday and Local 406 based on the terms contained in each Memorandum of Agreement signed on or about May 18, 2010, the parties are at an impasse with regard to each bargaining unit failing to do so.

Please note that once at impasse, Newsday has the right to implement all or selected parts of each Memorandum of Agreement.

While you have our last, best and final offer, as a courtesy to the Local and the International, we will make ourselves available for a meeting to discuss any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Terry Jimenez