2/23 bargaining update

The latest bargaining update has been sent to members via email, and despite news of layoffs - according to Guild calculations, the latest cuts cut the newsroom staff by nearly one-fifth - negotiations remain productive and amicable.

Among the topics discussed at this session was the list of management positions on the Guild-exempt list. Several obsolete positions were removed by mutual agreement, and replaced by current management slots.

Another new change is the addition of dues check-off, which will enable members to have Guild dues paid automatically.

The remainder of the session focused on vacation accrual. The company is seeking to significantly reduce the accrual cap to the amount of vacation earned in one year. The Guild is looking at options to the company's proposal.

The next session is Thursday, Feb. 26. The bargaining team will focus on the vacation proposal along with job security, holiday policies, overtime issues and compensation.

If you have any questions or concerns about bargaining or any other Guild issue, please contact one of your stewards or email us.