The Washington-Baltimore Newspaper Guild

TNG-CWA, Local 32035

AFP - Guild News

Jan. 13, 2003

CONTRACT RATIFIED:
2-year Agreement Provides $1,400 Signing Bonus;
Scale Increase in Second Year

AFP Guild members on January 8th ratified the tentative agreement reached in December for a two-year contract agreement. The vote was 32-3.

While there was considerable debate about the lack of a scale increase in the first year, a majority nonetheless voted to accept the agreement. The first-year bonus is the equivalent of 2.3 percent (excluding add-ons) for top-scale journalists, and higher for other employees. Additionally, the second-year raise will be a minimum of 2 percent, with a higher raise if inflation is above that level.

Moreover, the contract retains all existing benefits, with a number of new improvements.

Signature is still awaiting the final drafts, after which we expect the $1,400 bonus to be paid. Some highlights of the new contract:

  • Codifying the extension of coverage to bureaus where a majority accept Guild representation (not just Washington).
  • A new senior news editor classification for journalists.
  • An increase in the AFP contribution to 401k plan from 5.6 percent to 5.8 percent.
  • Bonus pay for technicians who complete certification courses.
  • A boost in marketing commission scales.
  • Increasing the maximum evening taxi/parking reimbursement to $12.
  • An agreement to allow job-sharing on a trial basis.
  • New language on leaves for fellowships.
  • Parental leave is extended to adoptive parents.
  • Domestic partner health coverage is clarified for all qualified partners – same sex or opposite sex.
  • Seniority to be applied for all continuous AFP employment worldwide for vacation, sick leave and other benefits.
  • 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 new 7.5% differential for extra-early shifts (starting between 4 - 6 a.m.).

-- Rob Lever, Unit Chair

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