Union Bargainers Stand Strong, Reject Management's Threat of Massive Layoffs and Gain Tentative Cont

For more information: Jeff Miller or Candice Johnson, CWA Communications, 202-434-1168, jmiller@cwa-union.org and cjohnson@cwa-union.org.

San Jose, Calif. – The San Jose Newspaper Guild courageously and successfully fought back against management's threatened massive layoff of workers at the San Jose Mercury News and in the end reached a tentative agreement at the newspaper. The newspaper is owned by MediaNews Corp.

The union bargaining committee stood strong and refused to yield to management's ploy to force the union to accept devastating cuts in benefits, jobs and job security by threatening massive layoffs of newspaper workers. Management said it was preparing to lay off 69 workers if the TNG local would not capitulate, but by the end of bargaining, that number was reduced to 27. The bargaining committee expressed regret that all jobs could not be saved but from the start was determined to stop management from gutting the newspaper and employees' working conditions.  

"Management told the bargaining committee that 'if you don't reach agreement with us, there will be a massive layoff. If you do agree to our demands, you'll save some jobs,'" said TNG-CWA President Linda Foley

Instead, the union bargaining team made it clear to newspaper management that its tactics and demands were unacceptable. The local, with the support of newspaper employees, forced management into marathon bargaining to produce an agreement that workers could live with and that helps preserve the quality newspaper that workers are proud to produce.  

Local President Becky Bartindale and Executive Officer Luther Jackson organized a very effective mobilization campaign, building support and solidarity among employees that was critical to getting management to the bargaining table.

The tentative two-year agreement will be presented to the membership for a ratification vote; if ratified, the contract will end Oct. 31, 2008.

"This bargaining committee took a principled stand and let management know that support throughout the unit was solid. Mercury News workers have made extensive sacrifices over recent years to keep their newspaper operating, but in this round of bargaining, newspaper employees made it clear they would not be a part of a management ploy that would hurt workers, advertisers and the community," Foley said.

The agreement provides for a two percent wage increase in each contract year, plus a $1,000 signing bonus. A new health plan will see some increases for workers in premiums and a new 401(k) retirement plan – with a management contribution of up to 3 percent -- will be established, with the current pension plan frozen. Union negotiators successfully rejected management's attempt to impose an unfair two-tier wage system

The bargaining committee also retained the "evergreen clause" contract provision that keeps the contract in effect while negotiations continue past expiration.  More details will be available over the next several days; for more information, go to www.sjguild.org.