Four unions representing more than 1,100 workers at The Denver Post and the Denver Newspaper Agency — the advertising and circulation arm of The Post and the Rocky Mountain News — reached tentative agreements for wage and benefit cuts.
Newsroom employees at The Post would have total wages and benefits cut by an average of 13.4 percent while concessions by unions representing employees at the DNA averaged 11.7 percent, people involved with the discussions said.
The unions would regain concessions as profits increase.
It’s unclear whether the unratified agreements reach the $18 million in concessions the DNA has said it requires and the $2 million Denver Post owner ap said it needed to weather current financial difficulties.
The unions are part of the Communications Workers of America and represented by the Denver Newspaper Guild.
“We wanted to be able to get the short-term economic relief and put a component to restore concessions when the company is profitable again,” said Tony Mulligan, the guild’s administrative officer. “This is meant to do that.”
The DNA was created in 2001 after the Post and News agreed to publish under a joint operating agreement. Though the newsrooms are independent the DNA handles the business operations.
“We’re pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with four of our unions and look forward to successful conversation with the remaining unions,” DNA spokesman Jim Nolan said.
The guild unit representing Denver Post employees could ratify the deal within 10 days while unions for the other workers said they will not vote until the fate of the Rocky Mountain News is determined.
E.W. Scripps in December put the Rocky Mountain News up for sale. The company has not said whether a legitimate buyer has emerged or whether it will close the newspaper.
The guild representing News editorial employees is not part of the cost-saving negotiations.
Newsroom wage cuts average 7.4 percent — they range from 6 to 9 percent depending on salary while cuts in the other unions average 7 percent.
Post employees would have to take seven furlough days each year for three years while the other unions would take up to 10 unpaid days off.
Other cuts include suspension of company matches to 401(k) plans and mileage reimbursement. The unions also agreed to pay more in health-insurance premiums.
Management has agreed to the same cuts as the unions, as well as a salary cap on payroll.
Unions representing Post employees and mailers at DNA tentatively agreed to new contracts extending to March 2012. The other union agreements continue until October 2009.
In all, six unions have been in talks with The Denver Post and the Denver Newspaper Agency. The others include the Teamsters at DNA and a unit representing platemakers.
David Migoya: 303-954-1506 or dmigoya@denverpost.com
