A tentative deal has been reached on one contract in ongoing newspaper negotiations in Philadelphia.
Both sides confirmed Friday that they have essentially completed the smaller of two related contracts. It involves about 50 Newspaper Guild members at Philly.com.
The larger of the two contracts involves 400 members at the Inquirer and Daily News.
“We are pleased to share that, as a result of approximately eight hours of negotiations yesterday with a federal mediator, representatives of the Company and the Guild signed a tentative agreement for Philly.com,” said Keith Black, vice-president of human resources for the employer, Philadelphia Media Network.
Bill Ross, executive director for the union, also confirmed via email what he underscored is a “tentative” deal, while saying there were still matters to be finalized, notably on healthcare.
Talks overseen by a federal mediator will resume Monday on the main unit contract.
The deadline is June 28 and the union rank-and-file has previously voted to give Ross the power to call a strike if a deal isn’t completed.
Given the industry’s economic fragility, a walkout would appear to be unusual.
