July 26, 2007
IAPE: Take Five
Approximately 150 IAPE-represented employees at the main Dow Jones & Company location decided to "take five" Thursday morning, July 26, 2007 and join IAPE president Steve Yount for a five minute update on contract bargaining.
The session was held in a courtyard between two of the main buildings at the Dow Jones campus in South Brunswick and was followed-up with a number of one-on-one and small group sessions for those IAPE members who simply couldn't get away from their desk for the meeting.
There were two basic messages delivered in the session. First, the existing terms and conditions of employment (hours, wages, overtime, premium pay, severance packages, disciplinary rights, etc.) remain in force— and will continue in force even if Dow Jones is sold to News Corp.
Second, the off-the-record contract sessions stumbled over the question of money after showing some initial encouraging signs.
On-the-record contract bargaining resumes on Tuesday July 31, 2007 and the IAPE committment remains unchanged: More money, better benefits, stronger job protection and improved working conditions.
The ultimate success of our effort will depend on the bargaining flexibility of both sides— and a continued demonstration of membership resolve. This is your union, your money, your job and your contract.