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Globe Strikes Deal With Last Holdout Union

Paper likely to remain in business as employees take major cuts

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted May 6, 2009 6:23 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Boston Globe and its largest union struck a tentative deal early this morning that will likely keep the newspaper's owner, the New York Times Company, from shutting down the title. The union representing more than 600 employees in the editorial and advertising divisions was the last holdout in negotiations at the struggling paper, which is expected to lose $85 million this year.

Details of the deal were being kept under wraps, but leaks on the Globe website suggested that the company had convinced the union to allow modifications to lifetime job guarantees for around 200 employees. The union also agreed to substantial pay cuts and unpaid furloughs. Relaxing the lifetime employment guarantees was seen as critical if the Times Company, itself in serious financial trouble, is to sell off the New England paper.

Employees of The Boston Globe, Dorothy Harris, left, and Michelle Bezanson, right, display signs and chant at a rally held to help save the paper, in Boston, Friday, April 24, 2009.
Employees of The Boston Globe, Dorothy Harris, left, and Michelle Bezanson, right, display signs and chant at a rally held to help save the paper, in Boston, Friday, April 24, 2009.   (AP Photo/Lisa Poole)
The Boston Globe logo appears on the front of their printing plant in Billerica, Mass., Tuesday, May 5, 2009.
The Boston Globe logo appears on the front of their printing plant in Billerica, Mass., Tuesday, May 5, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
A front page news brief highlights the deadline for reaching an agreement on $20 million in concessions from the unions at The Boston Globe Friday, May 1, 2009, in Boston.
A front page news brief highlights the deadline for reaching an agreement on $20 million in concessions from the unions at The Boston Globe Friday, May 1, 2009, in Boston.   (AP Photo/Bill Sikes)
A front page headline about negotiations between labor and ownership at The Boston Globe Monday, May 4, 2009.
A front page headline about negotiations between labor and ownership at The Boston Globe Monday, May 4, 2009.   (AP Photo/Bill Sikes)
Boston Globe delivery trucks sit parked at their printing plant in Billerica, Mass., Tuesday, May 5, 2009.
Boston Globe delivery trucks sit parked at their printing plant in Billerica, Mass., Tuesday, May 5, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
serfinWI
May 6, 2009 5:18 AM CDT
bail em out and give the company to the union

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