Talks continue on voluntary buyouts

The Albany Newspaper Guild membership and Executive Board met Thursday, October 10, 2024 to discuss the Times Union’s offer of voluntary buyouts to reduce the size of the staff.

President Ken Crowe briefed the membership on the current situation and the local’s concerns about The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act not being followed. The Guild has consulted its Barbara Camens, the TNG-CWA attorney, who has worked closely with our local over the years.

The Executive Board’s major concern is the legal protection of our members.

About 50 percent of the local’s members are covered by the OWBPA which applies to workers 40 or more years old.

The board authorized Crowe to take any action necessary. He said he would advise the board before any steps are taken.

The Guild is actively bargaining with the Times Union over the buyout proposal.

While the company has set a deadline it must bargain in good faith with the Guild and deadlines cannot be unilaterally insisted upon.

FRIDAY TALKS
Crowe and Publisher George Hearst met via a telephone call on Friday, October 11, 2024, to continue discussions on the buyout.

The Guild formally requested the proposed separation agreement, which it was advised it is legally entitled to receive. This was done to ensure members will be aware of what they may be signing and for the Guild to bargain on. The Guild has been reviewing prior separation agreements that have been made since 2011.

Crowe advised Hearst that the Guild has legal concerns about the termination of an employee who rejects the offer after applying for it. Talks are expected to continue next week.

Regarding the contract, these talks remained off the record. There was a wide-ranging discussion on the health insurance coverage and salaries. The Guild leadership and stewards has contacted the entire unit membership which has made it clear it wants to see annual contractual raises.

Both sides agreed that a schedule of meetings should be set to reach a new contract. The Guild has stressed to members that it would like to complete bargaining by the end of October.

Approved for posting: KCCII