August 30, 2009
Rumors
There have been a number of News Corp.-related rumors circulating. Although they might have different specifics, they all seem to have one theme in common: "News Corp. is going to end that..."
"That" being interchangeable. Depending on who is passing along the rumor, "That" is anything from severance pay to seniority to vacations to health care to dress codes.
We have no idea where the rumors come from — although our friends in middle management seem to enjoy repeating them — we can offer a clear response.
No one is going to make any unilateral changes in the contract.
You have a written — and enforceable — contract that covers everything the rumors seem to target.
That contract doesn't expire until January 31, 2010. It will automatically renew for 60 days if we reach the end of January without a new deal. Beyond that, IAPE and Dow Jones have, more often than not, extended the contract terms and protections while bargaining continues.
Those who tell you "News Corp. is going to end that" either don't know what they're talking about — or are simply trying to frighten or intimidate.