GUILD LEADER
| Vol XIl, Issue 45 | TNG/CWA Local 31041 | Oct. 4, 2001 |
COMPANY OFFERS BUYOUTS;
79 IN GUILD MAY BE ELIGIBLE
The Providence Journal has offered Guild bargaining unit members buyouts reported to be on the same basis as other workers in the company.
The union's executive board voted today to seek a meeting with the company to discuss unclear points about the proposal.
The plan was faxed to the Guild Wednesday, and filled out in conversations between Tim Schick, Guild administrator, and Tom McDonough, Journal human resources director.
As the union understands the company's proposal, it would work this way:
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Full-time workers 55 years and older are eligible.
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The incentive is 1 month's pay for each year worked, up to a maximum of 18 months. The payment, calculated on pay exclusive of merit or differentials, is to be made a lump sum Jan. 1, 2001, or over time as an annuity.
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Participants would leave work immediately, but would receive pay, with medical benefits, through the end of the year. The buyout incentive would be in addition to the remaining year 2001 paychecks.
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There would be no medical benefits after 2001, other than the federally-required "COBRA" benefits, which allow individuals to buy health insurance at the group rate paid by the company for 1-1/2 years.
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After receiving buyout packages, workers would have 45 days to sign. After signing, workers would have 7 days in which to change their minds.
There are a number of questions that Guild officials have about the meaning of the complex documents that were provided the union.
McDonough said that the company will discuss the matter with the union, although his Oct. 3 letter to the Guild notifying the union of the program said the offer will be withdrawn if the union does not agree to it by Friday, Oct. 12.
The union would like workers who leave under the buyout to be eligible for as many benefits as possible.
In past years, for example, buyout bonuses have been calculated on the basis of total compensation, which includes merit pay and shift differentials.
The executive board appointed a subcommittee to meet with the company: Bob Jagolinzer, union president, Paul Davis, Felice Freyer, Del St. Jean and Schick.
In answer to rumors that the company is seeking to eliminate 160 jobs through this voluntary buyout, McDonough told Schick that report is "not true."
The Guild estimates there are 79 of its members eligible by virtue of the age limit. It has been told by the company there are 87 people in non-Guild areas: managers, members of the Teamsters and Pressmen's unions, and non-union workers.
Thus, if everyone eligible leaves, 166 people would have left at the end of the program. The Guild has 500 workers in its bargaining units. Employment company-wide is 1,100.
TNG/CWA Local 31041
270 Westmister St., Providence, Rhode Island 02903
401-421-9466 | Fax: 401-421-9495
png@riguild.org