Bargaining Update

New York Times

Members of the New York Times Guild, TNG-CWA Local 31003, reached a groundbreaking tentative agreement with the New York Times after more than two years of negotiations.

The agreement will set new standards for working conditions, wages, and benefits across the media industry, including a $65,000 salary floor and immediate raises of at least 10.6 percent for all members. It also ensures that as the Times expands into local markets, new jobs will be part of the union and pay fair minimum salaries.

Members mobilized in a series of escalating actions to win these gains, including petitions, social media campaigns, mass protests, and a work stoppage.

“This deal is a victory for all the union members who fought for a fair contract that rewards our hard work and sacrifice,” said Bill Baker, New York Times communications coordinator and Times Guild unit chair. “It shows that the company cannot take us for granted and must be held accountable.”

More information on the contract is available here.

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Smithville Telephone Company, Inc.

CWA Local 4818 members at Smithville Telephone Company voted last month to ratify a collective bargaining agreement that includes an 8% wage increase over the next 3 years, increased lead and standby pay, and improvements to the day-at-a-time vacation allowance.

The workers mobilized in support of the negotiations, and held informational pickets before and after work that generated substantial local news coverage.

In a statement, the bargaining committee said that its goal was “to ensure that the livelihood of our members will be better at the end of the three-year agreement. As a committee, we believe this contract does just that.”