The labor union that represents Denver Post newsroom employees is negotiating a package of concessions that probably will include wage and benefit cuts and mandatory unpaid furloughs.
The concessions result from a request by ap, owner of The Post, to cut $2 million a year in newsroom expenses in the face of declining advertising revenue and financial losses.
Officers of the Denver Newspaper Guild told Post employees Wednesday that they are close to a deal on concessions that probably would prevent the need for layoffs in the foreseeable future. However, they said there is no guarantee that layoffs won’t occur if newspaper economics continue to decline.
Management negotiators described talks as having “a ways to go before we have an agreement, but we believe it is achievable.”
“The Guild negotiators have been diligent in working through the issues with us, and we appreciate the sacrifices that are being made,” said Jeanette Chavez, a Post managing editor.
Separate negotiations for $18 million in budget cuts are underway with unions representing workers of the Denver Newspaper Agency, which handles business operations of The Post and Rocky Mountain News.
The DNA and The Post are seeking an additional $17 million in management and operations cuts, according to a source. Jody Lodovic, president of MediaNews, confirmed that additional cost savings are being sought but would not disclose a number.
Rocky Mountain News workers are not negotiating. News owner E.W. Scripps has put the paper up for sale and may close it if a deal isn’t struck.
Steve Raabe: 303-954-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com
