Negotiations Continue for Voluntary Buyouts

The Guild and the Publisher's negotiators made significant progress today during negotiations regarding a voluntary buyout program that would be offered to eligible Guild-represented employees in the near future. 

"Many of the non-economic issues have been tentatively agreed upon," according to New York Guild President Barry Lipton, who is leading the Guild team, which also includes Secretary-Treasurer Bill O'Meara, Local Representative Bob Townsend, Unit Chair Bill South and Unit Council member Emilio Gonzalez. 

Lipton pointed out, however, there are still several important issues that need to be resolved, including the Company's demand that it have the right to "pick and choose" who will get the buyout package.  "We've have told them unequivocally that 'pick and choose' is NOT acceptable to the Guild if we are to reach an overall agreement.   In addition, we need to have extensive discussions about the economic package that would be offered to employees who wish to voluntarily leave their job at CU." 

Negotiations are scheduled to resume next Monday afternoon, and the Guild has indicated that it will stay as late as necessary in an effort to complete the talks.  

The Guild has asked the management representatives, Vice President Rick Lustig and Labor Relations Director Dan Franklin, to reassess the company's position on a few of the remaining non-economic issues over the weekend.  They agreed to do so. 

As explained at our recent emergency shop meeting, it is the Guild's goal to shape a buyout program that will be beneficial to those who wish to leave, and to protect the rights of employees who will remain. 

The Guild will keep you updated as the talks progress.