Philadelphia Newspaper Guild approves six per cent wage cut

The union that represents newsroom employees at The Inquirer has voted to approve a three-year contract that requires the equivalent of a 6 percent wage cut. The vote was 287-38, according to union officers.
The deal with the Newspaper Guild of Greater Philadelphia, Local 38010, was negotiated with Philadelphia Media Network, the new owner of The Inquirer, the Philadelphia Daily News, and Philly.com. The newspapers and the website were purchased at a bankruptcy auction in April.
The guild, affiliated with the Communications Workers of America, represents about 515 reporters, editors, photographers, and designers, as well as some advertising, circulation, and finance employees. The contract takes effect when the new owners take control of the company. The new company is negotiating contracts with 14 unions in anticipation of an Aug. 31 closing on the sale.