June 8, 2007
Bargaining Update: 06.06.07
We saw some more small signs of progress at the bargaining meeting on Wednesday, June 6th, which focused on job security.
In a search for common ground, we discussed a new set of proposals including enhanced severance payments for people who lose their jobs to outsourcing. We tentatively agreed on some parts of a plan, notably the provision for extra severance benefits for outsourcing victims. We are discussing other aspects of the plan and will continue the discussions next Tuesday, June 12th.
We still have a lot of issues left to resolve, including healthcare, wages and retirement benefits, and there is no guarantee that we will reach agreement even on job security— but we need to keep up the pressure, despite the distraction of all of those stories floating around about who might or might not be buying Dow Jones. In fact, the best way for us to respond to the takeover threat is to show that the union is strong and unified. That means filing for premium pay when you work on a regular day off, filing for over-time— every time, displaying your "splashes of IAPE yellow" everywhere and declining all video, television, radio and podcast appearances.
As always, let us know if you have comments or questions.
Steve Yount
President
Jim Browning
Bargaining Committee Chair
IAPE CWA 1096