Just two weeks after rejecting a new labor contract, unionized workers at Newsday ratified the same pact that cuts 25 driver jobs but hikes pay for the remaining workers by 6 percent over four years.
Newsday Publisher Fred Grosser had warned there would be mandatory layoffs in the truckers’ union with reduced severance unless the pact was approved by all six bargaining units of Local 406 of the Graphic Communications Council, part of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
“I think a lot of the people who voted yes did so very reluctantly,” said Michael O’Connor, a shop steward for the transportation unit.
Approval seems to have minimized the prospect of mandatory cuts.
“We were able to go back to the membership and get this ratified,” said Michael LaSpina, president of Local 406. “The packages are made up in a way that we hope we get enough volunteers.”
With advertising and circulation down, Newsday finds it does not need the same-sized truck fleet to deliver papers.
After the truckers reversed course and approved the pact 69 to 29, the other bargaining units, including journalists, pressmen and maintenance workers, were able to vote for the pact by a 276- 47 vote.