Providence Newspaper Guild - Bargaining Bulletin

Contract 2000

Guild Bargaining Bulletin #4

The Guild reviewed the Company's new parking and bus pass plan during negotiations Friday (Nov. 19).

The Guild commended the Company for agreeing to the concept of free parking and access to bus transportation, which has been proposed many times by the Guild over the past ten years. However, your bargaining committee expressed reservations regarding the loopholes in the Company offer.

In a letter to the Guild delivered Thursday afternoon, the Company stated, "This free parking and bus service would be on a non-contractual basis and may be changed or eliminated by the Company."

When the Guild surveyed the membership in preparation for bargaining, 99 percent stated they wanted benefits written out in the contract. In addition, 99 percent of the members rejected the idea of allowing the Company to unilaterally modify benefits.

During Friday's negotiations, your bargaining committee emphasized that something that is not part of the contract and which can be changed at the Company's whim is not a benefit. The Guild asked what circumstances could lead to a modification or elimination of the free parking and bus passes.

ProJo spokesman Rick Perras said he would not limit Company discretion and would not speculate on changes in policy. "We are not prepared for it to be locked in for the term of the contract or any other term."

Under the Company plan "eligible employees" would be entitled to free parking "subject to a maximum number of available spaces." The Company was unprepared to explain how many spaces would be available, where they would be located, how they would be allocated or who will be eligible.

Other matters discussed:

Posting of transfer opportunities -- The Guild has proposed that all opportunities for lateral transfers be posted. The Guild proposal does not require the Company to select any specific individuals. The Company said it wants to keep management discretion. "We are not interested in additional restraints," Perras said.

Medical insurance -- The Company failed to provide any additional information regarding its medical proposal. Under the Company offer, Blue Cross and the defunct Harvard Pilgrim plans would be dropped. Instead the Company is proposing other plans, (two from United HealthCare and a CIGNA plan) but has provided no information on costs or coverage.

Open enrollment -- The Guild urged the Company to hold an immediate open enrollment for medical insurance offering the existing plan. A second open enrollment could be held once contract changes are agreed to. The Company responded that it would "try to address the situation sooner than later."

Advertising incentives -- The Guild is seeking employee input in the design of advertising incentive programs. The Company responded that it does not want to limit its discretion.

Despite the lack of progress on major issues, agreements have been reached on most of the so-called "housekeeping" issues.

The next negotiating sessions are set for December 2, 6, 17 and 22.

The Guild's proposal is available on-line at the PNG web site:

Guild proposals.

Company proposals.

Tentative Agreements

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