Dow Jones Local Wins Contract at Murdoch-Owned Company

In the first round of bargaining with Dow Jones since it was acquired by the notoriously anti-union Rupert Murdoch, the Independent Association of Publishing Employees Local 1096, an affiliate of TNG-CWA, "beat back each and every one" of the company's assaults on core contract provisions and won some improvements.

The tentative four-year agreement freezes wages the first year, but provides for a 2 percent raise in each subsequent year, plus keeps cost-of-living protection. Starting July 1, a new health care plan that maintains current benefits but lowers premiums goes effect.

The IAPE negotiating team also defeated the company's effort to gut seniority rights and improved severance pay. 

The IAPE bargaining team has endorsed the tentative settlement, and President Stephen Yount is meeting with Dow Jones workers nationwide to answer questions before the ratification vote. A vote is expected to be complete by May 1.