Still Talking About RTO

Media Sales, News among the business units under discussion

Another Unfair Labor Practice charge filed by IAPE

Let’s see, where were we?

It has been more than a month since we provided an update on discussions with Dow Jones management over Return To Office plans. In our last recap, we told you about reports of individual department heads providing RTO details directly to staff prior to the company reaching any agreement with the union. Dow Jones representatives denied any such communications, especially an IAPE complaint about management in Media Sales informing staff of a requirement to begin in-office work on May 2.

Then, on Mar. 21, Dow Jones provided IAPE with a draft RTO plan for Media Sales employees with a proposed return date of—you guessed it—May 2.

In response, IAPE filed a new Unfair Labor Practice charge against Dow Jones. A similar action  taken by the union last year resulted in a settlement requiring management to negotiate in good faith with IAPE.

Since the filing of this new complaint, IAPE and Dow Jones have met to talk through RTO issues on Apr. 7, 12 and 14, and representatives will resume discussions this afternoon. Rather than prepare a company-wide plan, Dow Jones has presented IAPE with draft RTO solutions specific to business units—thus far, we have received and are discussing plans for Media Sales, News, Customer Service and New Ventures.

Management has also backed off its insistence on a May 2 return date for Media Sales staff.

While specifics from each plan vary, the company claims all plans will have “common themes,” including flexibility around employees’ personal situations as well as substantive and sufficient notice in advance of any required return date. IAPE and Dow Jones are actively discussing union proposals around these topics and others, including vaccination requirements for employees who work in office spaces and some amount of severance pay for employees who request permanent work-from-home assignments, but are denied permission and then choose to resign from Dow Jones.

Mindful of survey responses from IAPE members, the union continues to press for maximum flexibility for all employees.

Canceled: IAPE Contract 101
Because IAPE officials will be meeting with management reps this afternoon, we unfortunately must postpone today’s Contract 101 class which had been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. EDT. Please watch our Events Page for a makeup date, or to register for any other union classes and activities.

Contract Trivia – May 5
While you’re at our Events Page, be sure to sign up for our next Contract Trivia event. Whether you think you know the IAPE contract from cover to cover, or you’re a newcomer and haven’t had a chance to get beyond the first page, this event is open to all and is sure to be a fun-filled hour. And we have prizes! Register today and join your fellow members in some entertaining after hours (depending on your schedule) contract discussion.