Dec. 21, 2004

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AFP Members Ratify 2005-2006 Contract Ratified
Guild Wins 3% Raises in Each Year, Inflation Protection

Guild members on December 21 approved the tentative agreement on the 2005-2006 contract with AFP by a margin of 23-10 after considerable debate. While some members expressed concern about the changes in health care formulas, most agreed these were outweighed by the improvements in pay and other benefits.

Pay scales would increase 3% January 1, 2005 and 3% in January 2006 (or higher in the second if inflation is above that level). Based on gross wages, the average increase for AFP employees would be $185 a month or more than $2,200 per year -- about $6,500 extra over the life of the agreement.

We did make some changes in health care in an effort to help address concerns about runaway costs. Co-pays and some other payments will increase, but we do retain a comprehensive plan (POS) with no premium for employees and another option (PPO) providing additional flexibility for a premium of $30/month for an individual and $80/month for family coverage.

Significantly, there were no major changes in other economic or non-economic areas that would erode our rights or benefits.

The contract was negotiated by WBNG rep Paul Reilly and the bargaining committee of Erika Pontarelli, Richard Romero, Alan Douge, Liz Menzies and Rob Lever.

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