Stribbers,
Here’s a link describing a training program at the Pioneer Press that was initiated by a Guild member. Star Tribune negotiators in 2008 included a similar clause in our contract calling for the union and the Strib to partner with the University of Minnesota for multimedia training in the newsroom. Here’s how it worked out in St. Paul:
Colleagues,
A few reminders from our contract:
A word about unpaid FURLOUGH DAYS. You must take two before April 30. If you don’t, you’ll lose them. By then, the company will have already docked your pay.
A word about NIGHT DIFFERENTIAL. Yes, it’s going away, but it’s still here, in part. Through April 30, the night differential will be reduced a third. For the period May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2011, it will be reduced by another third. It goes away May 1, 2011. Regarding the amounts, it’s roughly 3.5 percent of the current daily rate. The exact amounts are in the revised contract (not the peach booklet). Refer to your classification.
If you work after 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for an entire week or more you are entitled to the reduced amount of NIGHT DIFFERENTIAL.
A word about OVERTIME. All time worked in excess of 40 hours a week shall be construed as OVERTIME. So if you work a Monday- through- Friday workweek and you reach 40 hours by Thursday morning, you either get OVERTIME or take the rest of the week off. OVERTIME must be pre-approved by a Manager.
A word about the BUYOUTS. The deadline was Friday at 5 p.m. We should hear who was accepted, if anyone, sometime this week.
Other matters: A Stewards meeting is scheduled for noon March 18 in Assembly A/B. PIZZA will be served. Everyone is welcome.
An APPRECIATION reception will be held for our colleagues who left the Strib this year. It’s Sunday, March 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Broadway Pizza, 2025 N. West River Road, Minneapolis. Thanks to all the organizers for pulling this together.
Janet Moore/Co-Chair