January 1, 2007
The Shrinking Wall Street Journal
IAPE has opened 2007 with an ad in the New York Times as the Wall Street Journal unveils its new format. We wanted you to know why.
Rich Zannino says he recognizes that the advantage that Dow Jones brings to the marketplace— the "difference" upon which all his plans for revival (and prosperity) are based— is the quality of our product. Without that quality, Dow Jones is doomed. Rich also says he understands that his plans depend on attracting and retaining the best in the business (across the board: IT, sales, staff support, customer service, reporters, editors— everyone.)
But so far, he hasn't been willing to spend the money needed to maintain that quality.
It has been our argument from the very beginning that to preserve our quality product we need a quality contract: more money, better benefits, stronger job protections and improved working conditions. The ad simply states that argument for the public.
Management believes we'll cave in.
They're wrong.
It's our job to convince them that they're wrong— and the ad in the Times is just one more step in the effort to make our resolve clear.
We are committed to the success of Dow Jones and the continued world-class quality of all of our products. Nothing that we've said diminishes that commitment. But we recognize the dangers of a contract that increases health-care costs four-fold, holds wage increases below the forecast rate of inflation, eliminates cost-of-living protections and guts job security for hard-working, dedicated employees. That kind of contract will drive away quality people and destroy the main "advantage" Dow Jones now has in the marketplace: its unquestioned quality.
2007 could be a long, tough, demanding fight. But it is fight that has to be fought.
We are committed to winning a quality contract. And management should make no mistake— We will use every tool available.
Steve Yount
President
Jim Browning
Bargaining Committee Chair
IAPE CWA 1096