We Want Media

Things can’t be that bad, right? I mean, here! Look! One union was able to reach a deal between workers and owners of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette just hours ago! So, that means everyone’s happy, right? Not if you look at the fine print on the contract.

I suppose documenting another newspaper’s financial struggles is old hat these days. That said, I’d feel it necessary to wallow in my misery re: the sorry state of print and felt I needed to share that inconsolable wretchedness with you fine folks.

Here’s what the hardworking reporters at the Pittsburgh Post Gazette can expect in the next 39 months of their new contract c/o the Times Tribune of Scranton, Penn.:

Under the new contracts, all 14 bargaining units will have wages frozen over the life of the contract, and employees must divert 5 percent of their wages toward health care.

But wait, there’s more:

The Teamsters are expected to lose 80 positions through attrition and buyouts, and the newspaper is looking to cut dozens of other positions through buyouts, including 10 members of the newsroom staff.

The contract also requires retirees to pay at least 25 percent of their premium payments. In the past, they received health care for free.

Thanks for your hard work, teamsters. Say, got any other inspiring words of wisdom to share with us aspiring print media types?

"It's trying times for newspapers and trying times for the workers," Teamsters President Joe Molinero said.

Thanks again, Joe. There's nothin' more comforting in these times of need than severely understating the situation. Second only to kicking us in the gut, perhaps.