Romenesko Misc.
Shortly after the Newspaper Guild of New York’s contract talks release was posted here, the Times sent statement saying that it’s “seeking a modern contract with the Guild that addresses the new realities of being a multimedia news organization, while sustaining the quality journalism that defines The Times.” (The full statement is after the jump.) || Related: New York Times’ buyouts, contract negotiations show newsroom shift to Web
New York Times statement
The Times is currently in talks with the leadership of the Newspaper Guild, looking to negotiate a new labor agreement attuned to the challenges of the digital age.
As we have done in negotiations with other unions at The Times, we are seeking a modern contract with the Guild that addresses the new realities of being a multimedia news organization, while sustaining the quality journalism that defines The Times.
The majority of the Guild employees at The Times, including most of the newsroom, are now governed by a contract with terms and language untouched since at least 2003, before the digital revolution transformed our industry. The current agreement – in fact, two separate contracts that treat print and digital workers differently – expires at the end of March.
Our initial proposal attempts to give shape to a single, integrated and more flexible contract with the Guild. We look forward to reaching a full and fair agreement with the Guild.