Bargaining Update: IAPE Says Members Have Sacrificed Enough

Members Roast Mgmt, Espresso Dissatisfaction with Company Offers
“Gimme a Break, Dow Jones!”

IAPE representatives delivered a new, comprehensive proposal to Dow Jones management on Thursday, emphasizing the need for retroactive wage increases and pay hikes commensurate with company performance.

The new document, proposal number 21 from the union in this round of negotiations, withdrew key demands including improvements to inflation protection and retirement contributions. IAPE also reduced its wage increase proposal, calling for raises of 8.5% effective—and retroactive to—July 1, 2023; 5.5% on July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025; and 4.0% on July 1, 2026.

Dow Jones representatives scoffed at IAPE suggestions that members have sacrificed more than management during these negotiations. To the union’s demand for retroactive pay, management said, “what is retro, but a lump sum payment.”

The company’s Mar. 21 proposal offered lump sums of $1,500, which amounts to the equivalent of a 1.52% raise for the median IAPE wage earner.

Following negotiations, IAPE members across the United States and in Canada walked away from their desks in a coordinated coffee break to support demands for a fair contract. Members set their away messages to “Gimme a break, Dow Jones – we deserve more!” and gathered at coffee areas in New York, Princeton, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Members working remotely joined colleagues via Zoom, or just enjoyed a much-needed break from work.

Negotiations are scheduled to resume on April 4.