Reuters begins contract talks; union seeks unspecified raise

The New York Newspaper Guild, which represents the business journalists at Reuters, have begun negotiating with the company on a new contract.

The union issued the following statement:

As we introduced our proposals on Day One of negotiations for a new contract, we told management that we will not be taken in by pleas of hard times, because we hear the upbeat message that Thomson Reuters delivers to Wall Street.

We insist on maintaining the economic well-being of the people – our members – who produce the work that makes Thomson Reuters successful. And we made it extremely clear that the Guild will not agree to sacrifice the welfare of Guild members while fat pay packages are awarded to top executives. As Unit Chair Dan Grebler told company representatives, “That’s not going to happen.”

Our proposals are a reflection of what you told us you care about most: job security, higher pay and better benefits. We’re seeking a guarantee of employment security for all Guild members who have been with the company for 10 years or more, and calling for a ban on subcontracting.

We want to restore time-and-a-half pay for all hours in excess of 35 per week. We’re seeking more differential pay for the weekend and night shifts that take a toll on Guild members’ personal lives. We want higher pay for employees on standby and overtime pay for Guild members on assignment outside the continental United States. And yes, we want a pay raise for all Guild members, though we have not yet put a set amount on the table.

We’re seeking to cap member contributions for health insurance at 18 percent of the cost and limit out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. We have proposed improved vacation time, better paternity leave and enhancements to our 401(k) plan.

These are only some of our proposals, as we presented a comprehensive package that addresses the concerns of Guild members on many fronts. Click here to see our full list of proposals.

So what did the company have to say? Not much. Jonathan Leff, global commodities editor, delivered the standard company line about the hard times the media industry faces. But the managers did not deliver any specific proposals, saying they would do so at a later date. Our next bargaining session has not yet been scheduled due to vacation absences on both sides.

Read more here.