-- An update on negotiations --

Dear Readers:
We had hoped that all our employees would be enjoying Thanksgiving with their families instead of working inside our facility or walking the picket line. But that did not occur.
On Wednesday, Nov. 23, at the federal mediators' direction, The Vindicator and Newspaper Guild Local 11 returned to the bargaining table. The Guild presented a list of 18 demands -- a longer list of demands than was on the table when the Guild struck. The Vindicator was disappointed that after striking for eight days, the Guild was negotiating in reverse.
However, to focus the issues and move negotiations forward, The Vindicator made a proposal that provided for wage increases and bonuses in spite of seven years of operating in the red. The Guild rejected the company's proposal and presented a similar list of demands that included pay increases of 4 percent to 28 percent per year (depending on wage classifications).
The federal mediators asked the parties to evaluate their positions and meet at the federal mediators' call.
The Vindicator's proposal included:
UFirst wage increase of 1 percent on signing.
UIn addition to the wage increase, a lump sum bonus of $400/$200 (depending on wage classifications) after the first six months.
USecond wage increase of 1 percent at start of second year.
UAn additional $90,000 bonus pool to be distributed as agreed among the members for certain cost-saving items.
UThird wage increase of 1 percent at start of third year.
URaise the dental contribution to $14 per week per employee.
UStatus quo on health insurance but move to a percentage contribution from current flat dollar amount.
The Guild's proposal included among 18 items the following:
UWage increases of 4 percent to 28 percent per year (depending on wage classification) for each year of the contract.
UFully paid health insurance (now a flat-dollar contribution of $9.50 for singles and $22.50 for family per week).
USix months of sick pay at 100 percent of regular pay for all employees, with elimination of the two-tier sick pay plan for new hires that has been in the contract for four years.
UPayment for parking.
UFour dollars per week per person increase for dental insurance.
USpecial weekly increase for three specific Guild members raising their pay by 15 percent to 22 percent per year.
Again, we want the strike to end so we can work together to continue to serve you, our readers, carriers, advertisers and community. We remain dedicated to working with the federal mediators to reach a fair settlement.
Thank you for your continued understanding and support.
Betty Jagnow, publisher
Mark Brown, general manager