Teamsters Threaten to Shut Down Minneapolis 'Star Tribune'

By: The Teamsters union is threatening a strike it says would likely shut down the Star Tribune if the bankrupt newspaper is allowed to scrap its contract with unionized drivers.

Teamsters Local 638 filed its opposition Monday to the newspaper?s proposal to reject the contract.

The newspaper wants to pull out of what it calls a "critically unfunded" multi-employer pension plan that was costing it more than $1 million a year in premiums.

But the Teamsters local, which represents about 190 full- and part-time drivers at the Star Tribune, has authorized a strike if a federal bankruptcy court allows the newspaper to reject the contract. The drivers say if they strike, Teamsters locals that represent mailers and pressmen at the paper also likely would strike.

Star Tribune spokesman Ben Taylor says talks continue with the Teamsters. A hearing is set for next Tuesday.