The Washington-Baltimore Newspaper Guild

TNG-CWA, Local 32035

AFP - Guild News

Dec. 20, 2002

Tentative Agreement Reached
Guild AFP agreement calls for $1400 bonus, scale raise in 2nd year

The Guild and Agence France Presse management late Wednesday worked out a tentative two-year contract agreement to replace the one expiring December 31.

The Guild bargaining committee is recommending ratification of this agreement at a meeting January 8. While this does not provide all we were seeking, we feel this is a fair deal under the circumstances of the industry, the company and the economy.

Highlights:

  • We preserve all our existing benefits, including health care, with no give-backs or cuts in any areas; the AFP proposal to cut sports premiums and out-of-town assignment premiums in lieu of overtime were withdrawn.
  • A $1400 lump-sum signing bonus will be paid upon ratification of the agreement; this amounts to about 2.3% of base wages at the top of the scale; for lower paid employees it is as much as 3.5%.
  • For 2004, we have a guaranteed minimum scale increase of 2%, and cost of living protection with no cap. So we get the greater of 2% or the consumer price index for 2003. We also receive a $300 signing bonus in January 2004.
  • An increase in the AFP contribution to the 401(k) plan to 5.8% (up from 5.6%) as well as a commitment to a survey of employee satisfaction with the plan.
  • An increase in the child care allowance to $115 per month (from $100) and to provide this through age 12 (instead of using 5th grade as the cutoff).
  • A maximum $12 taxi/parking reimbursement plan for late-shift workers, replacing the flat $7.50 allowance.
  • A new 7.5% differential for extra-early shifts (starting between 4 - 6 a.m.)
  • A new monthly bonus system for technicians (up to $300 per month) who complete certification courses.
  • An increase in marketing commissions of 0.5 percentage points on most levels of the scale; additionally, the standby pay for technicians is boosted to $6/hour.
  • A commitment to a trial job-sharing plan.
  • A commitment to apply seniority to all AFP employment worldwide.
  • Agreement on health care coverage for domestic partners, same-sex or opposite sex.
  • Codification of the agreement to cover all U.S. bureaus where a majority agree to Guild representation.
  • A double-indemnity life insurance rider for accidental death.
  • An agreement on leaves of absence for professional fellowships.
  • Payroll check-off option for charitable deductions.

All members should vote on this -- either by attending the meeting or sending an e-mail before the meeting:

AFP Guild Membership Meeting
January 8, 2003
1 PM
AFP Conference Room


-- Rob Lever, Unit Chair
Bargaining Committee: David Lima, Sue Mendives, Josh Roberts, Doug Curran, Magan Crane, Corinne Suissa

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