The Providence Journal Company
75 Fountain Street, Providence, RI 02902

THOMAS J. McDONOUGH
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR

401 -277-7205
401-277-7217 FAX
thomas_mcdonough@projo.com

February 22, 2002



Providence Newspaper Guild AFL-CIO
270 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02903
Attn: Mr. Timothy F. Schick, Administrator

Dear Mr. Schick:

We are surprised by your rejection of our offer. Clearly this is another opportunity lost due to your failed tactics.

The Company made a very fair and simple offer to our employees. All that was required was a yes or no answer.

What we received was a rejection wrapped in process. There is no need for "around the clock" negotiations. There is no element of our offer that is unclear. The disappointing part of your response is that you know this. You know all the details would have been worked out in negotiations with the Federal Mediator.

For nearly three years you have refused to agree to the basics of a new contract. Your latest letter is more of the same. This has been the story of these negotiations.

All you have to do, if you accept, is sign a copy of our February 20th offer letter with the notation "accepted", withdraw all pending NLRB charges/allegations and cancel the currently scheduled NLRB trial. We will then meet immediately with a Federal Mediator to work out the remaining details.


Sincerely,

Thomas J. McDonough

 

/cl