Inquirer

NewsGuild represented members from Philadelphia, New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Oakland overwhelmingly ratified a new three year agreement between ROC, Restaurant Opportunities Center United and The NewsGuild of Philadelphia.

Highlights of the agreement are, a 5 percent pay increase effective immediately, 3 percent in years two and three.

Continued fully paid health care by the employer, 9 personal days, 11 paid holidays, carryover of sick time from year to year, maxing out at 20 days, 2 weeks of severance pay for each year of service in the event of a reduction of force, maximum of 12 weeks, increases in cell phone, and transportation costs monthly to $100.

“ROC came to the bargaining table ready to improve the lives of their employees.” Said Bill Ross Executive Director of the NewsGuild of Philadelphia. “ROC’s level of cooperation, and understanding of their employee’s demands, is not something we often see at the bargaining table these days. Management basically agreed to all the Guild’s economic proposals.” Ross said.

Guild represented members help train and educate restaurant workers, and lobby for worker friendly laws in major cities across the country.