IAPE Files Pay Increase Grievance
/Also, see below for a Vision Plan grievance update
IAPE has filed a grievance against Dow Jones citing the company’s failure to pay a negotiated 2022 compensatory raise to several employees.
In its grievance letter, the union contends that employees who received pay raises, whether through promotion or merit, after July 1, 2022—but before IAPE and Dow Jones concluded negotiations and members ratified a new contract on Sept. 9, 2022—should have received a negotiated 4% raise when pay increases were processed.
IAPE cites contract language negotiated in 2019 clarifying which employees are eligible to receive a compensatory increase. That language reads, “For the avoidance of doubt, Employees who are promoted or change assignments within the bargaining unit after May 1 shall receive the full increase as set forth in section A above.”
Dow Jones has taken the position that this language only covers a period of time between May 1 and July 1, the effective date for the new contract. The company has formally denied the union’s grievance.
IAPE will consult with union legal counsel over next steps, including the possibility of resolving this grievance through binding arbitration.
Vision Plan Grievance: You Can Still Enroll!
Last week, IAPE shared news about a special open enrollment for new vision plan benefits. The update followed an email earlier that same day from News Corp Benefits inviting employees to enroll in enhanced vision plan coverage.
The mid-year offering was the result of IAPE and Dow Jones settling a grievance filed by the union last year. The email from News Corp advised employees, “You have until 03/24/2023 to make changes to your vision election.”
If you were not able to change your plan last week, Dow Jones has assured IAPE that members will still be able to make new plan elections this week. Members should contact The Benefit Center directly.
Any IAPE-represented employee who has difficulty reaching the Center to enroll in vision plan coverage should contact IAPE.