DJ Refuses to Engage, Stalls Needed Benefits for IAPE Members

IAPE representatives met again this week with counterparts from Dow Jones Legal and HR departments in another attempt to negotiate benefits to assist employees affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. Almost seven weeks after presenting union proposals for Covid relief, and over five weeks since first hearing Dow Jones had no response to those proposals, the message remained the same: We have (almost) nothing to negotiate.

During this most recent meeting on Wednesday afternoon, company reps informed the union that Dow Jones is still “working through and dealing with a difficult issue,” but they refused to engage with IAPE proposals on dependent care or internet and equipment allowances, or share information about any possible company plans for employees.

The lone counter-proposal delivered to the union: an offer to finally make the purchase of home gym equipment eligible for reimbursement under the IAPE physical fitness benefit, but purchases made in 2020 would only be reimbursed after January 1, 2021.

The company’s failure to meaningfully negotiate with the union is frustrating, and possibly illegal. IAPE is investigating options to challenge the company’s position. Union representatives would much rather spend time reaching agreement over much-needed assistance for Dow Jones employees, in areas where peer companies like The New York Times and Bloomberg have willingly and generously offered additional compensation to their employees.

As the new IAPE Board of Directors prepares to begin its term of office on December 1, the union will continue to push Dow Jones to recognize that their employees need help. The company keeps telling the union that welfare of Dow Jones employees is “top of mind.” It’s time they proved it.