By: Joe Strupp Union drivers who deliver Seattle's two major daily papers have voted to authorize a strike, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
The P-I reported late Monday online that Teamsters Local 174, which represents about 70 drivers, dispatchers and mechanics, voted to authorize a strike, which could occur as early as Oct. 21, after a required 30-day notice for contract termination.
"The move is the latest in about 10 months of negotiations between the Teamsters and The Seattle Times Co., which handles distribution of both papers," the P-I reported.
"It's disappointing that they've chosen to take such a vote, but unfortunately this is oftentimes a part of the process in these kinds of circumstances," Times Co. spokeswoman Jill Mackie said in the story. "We continue to remain hopeful that we can find a successful resolution with the Teamsters that will benefit affected employees as well as the company."
The Seattle Times said it wanted to outsource the trucking to cut costs in November, the P-I reported, adding, "The Teamsters have fought the plan from the start, saying that they want their members to be compensated equitably under a new contract. A deal to outsource to Penske Logistics Inc. stalled in July after the Teamsters rejected Penske's terms. The Teamsters would still consider Penske under the right conditions, a spokeswoman said Monday."
Both sides are scheduled to meet Tuesday, with a representative from Teamsters International expected to attend, along with a federal mediator, the P-I reported.
"The strike vote is an attempt to stop The Times from reducing Teamsters wages," the paper added. "The Times Co. had told the union that it would cut wages to save costs, as the outsourcing deal wasn't happening as planned."
The P-I and the Times share printing, circulation and advertising costs under a joint operating agreement.
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