The Washington Post reached a deal with its union after approximately 18 months of intense negotiations involving two different publishers, three waves of job cuts, and a day-long walkout.
This achievement marks the culmination of prolonged discussions. The Guild members of The Washington Post played a crucial role in reinitiating talks when the company initially indicated no further room for negotiation, as noted by the Washington Post Guild's bargaining committee in a message to staff on Friday.
The Guild members' perseverance and organizing effort ultimately led to this significant agreement.
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Washington Post Reaches Deal After Intense, Prolonged Union Negotiations
The deal between The Washington Post and its union follows recent, tough negotiations. Interim CEO Patty Stonesifer set a final decision deadline for December 31. She told the staff last Wednesday that the company's latest offer would be their final one.
Under the new agreement, starting next month, every member will get an extra $30 per week and a 2.5% salary increase beginning April 1, as per the guild. In April 2025 and 2026, there will be another 2% raise.
Employees who choose to leave will get a $500 bonus. The Post also agreed to give a 60-day notice before changing its office attendance policy, which currently requires employees to work in the office three days a week.
The Washington Post Guild's bargaining committee called their last deal the best in 50 years. They said the Guild is more vital than ever in 2024 due to members' unity and tenacity in the previous 18 months. Despite not meeting all goals, they embraced the pact, thinking it would improve The Post's environment for years.
Katie Mettler, a guild co-chair and reporter, was proud of her colleagues' united position and hard work in obtaining a fair contract, especially after 18 months at The Washington Post. She stressed that the corporation struggled to make these contract gains.
Union's Strategic Moves in Negotiations
During the negotiations, the union members organized several "lunch outs" and even held a one-day strike on December 7. In their latest move, the union leaders urged their colleagues to send personal letters to the new publisher, Will Lewis, asking him to support their cause.
Over 750 employees of The Washington Post decided to stop working, choosing not to work for 24 hours. This movement is the largest worker protest at the company in almost 50 years. They planned to picket outside The Post's offices all day and asked people not to read the newspaper or visit its website in support.
Meanwhile, editors and managers prepared to handle tasks like writing articles and running printing presses. Union members are protesting because they haven't had a contract for 18 months and are unhappy with the company's recent offer of buyouts, which they find insufficient and feel is being forced upon them.
About the Washington Post
The Washington Post has a set of rules written by Eugene Meyer in 1935, who bought the newspaper in 1933. These rules are about honesty and covering important news from America and worldwide. The paper promises to be respectful and suitable for all ages.
It focuses on what the readers and the public need to know, not just what benefits its owners. The Post is committed to telling the truth, even if it means losing money, and it aims to be fair and open-minded about public matters and people in the news.
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