Contract 2000
Negotiations went nowhere Wednesday (Dec. 22) as the company made a proposal for restructuring the Pre-Publishing Department then, after five hours of discussion, withdrew it when the Guild said some provisions were unacceptable.
Although there was frank give-and-take on the proposal, both on and off the record, talks ground to a halt when the Guild refused to withdraw a grievance over the use of agency temporary employees in the Pre-Publishing Department. Under the company plan, it would be permitted extensive use of such leased employees from employment agencies.
Midday, the company received a letter from Blue Cross/Blue Shield offering to cover Guild members. The company rejected the Blue Cross offer, saying the insurer was "at best being vague and at worst disingenuous." Blue Cross said it wanted two additional, less expensive, plans made available to the Guild. Because of this, the company termed the offer "not responsive."
The highlight of the day occurred away from the table, as about 100 Guild members and members of other labor unions held a spirited rally on the sidewalk in front of the Journal.
The next negotiating sessions are set for Dec. 28 and 29.
The Guild's proposal is available on-line at the PNG web site: Guild proposals.
TNG/CWA Local 31041
270 Westmister St., Providence, Rhode Island 02903
401-421-9466 | Fax: 401-421-9495
png@riguild.org