INQUIRER BARGAINING DAY 1
Good afternoon.
Just wanted to keep you informed about our first bargaining session.
It was a two-hour meeting where neither side made specific proposals but instead established a foundation for how this process will proceed over the days and weeks (likely months) ahead.
The Guild made clear its priority is an across-the-board raise for ALL members.
The Company commended Guild members and acknowledged us as important to the future, while also describing the state of the news industry as “in the most challenging period of our history.”
In order to have what the Guild hopes are productive talks about a new contract that includes meaningful pay raises, we told the Company we will keep specifics on raise proposals and counterproposals inside the bargaining room – and out of bulletins and social media posts. That was a gesture of goodwill offered by us, not something the Company requested. It is our belief that will invite the most candid and realistic discussions necessary to achieve a fulfilling next contract.
Our next bargaining session is Oct. 17, when both sides have agreed to be prepared with specifics.
Keep the faith.
In solidarity,
The Bargaining Committee
Diane Mastrull
Amy Rosenberg
Jonathan Lai
Bill Ross
