BARGAINING BULLETIN

Talks focus on non-money issues at Chronicle

Citing losses, management rejects pay raises

07 Jul 2010

California Media Workers Guild

Guild negotiators exchanged new contract proposals Wednesday with representatives of the San Francisco Chronicle/SFGate.com management.

The Guild committee emphasized the importance of restoring fair treatment in the workplace by making improvements in areas such as vacations, retirement and health benefits.

Management said the Chronicle continues to lose money despite major reductions in expenses and general improvement in the economy. Citing these losses, the management rejected the bulk of The Guild’s economic proposals offered at our last meeting.

Most of Wednesday’s session focused on non-economics as The Guild attempted to narrow differences on contract terms including grievance and arbitration rights, freelancing and layoff notices.

The management proposed an 18-month contract extension without raises, pension improvements or changes in work hours. The parties already have agreed to extend the current agreement indefinitely while talks are pending.

Another bargaining session is set for Thursday at The Guild office.

Representing The Guild: Unit Chair Michelle Devera and Unit Secretary Alissa Van Cleave of editorial; Doug Cuthbertson, Guild executive officer; and Carl Hall, Guild rep and spokesman for the committee.

Representing the management: Calvin Siemer, vice president of legal affairs; Cathy Rommelfanger, human resources.

Federal mediator: David Weinberg.