Dow Jones Responds: No

IAPE and Dow Jones representatives met Wednesday for the first time since trading opening proposals on June 14. Company negotiators spent two and a half hours responding to the union’s proposal package, but the majority of their message was very simple: No.

Oh sure, they used several other phrases, like, “the company is satisfied with the current contract language.” Or, “this is not an issue we are interested in.” Or, “we don’t see a compelling need for this.”

They saved their best for IAPE’s opening wage proposal: “We don’t think it is at all appropriate or supportable.”

On health insurance, management reps reminded the union team of the company’s proposal to remove any contract references to benefits and coverage. “We do expect cost increases,” they said.

The IAPE committee heard that the company needs to “manage expectations” and that the union should do the same with respect to its members.

We believe we are.

IAPE proposals reflect priorities identified through membership surveys and feedback. What IAPE members expect is a contract addressing the needs of the union-represented workforce, with clear workplace rules and protections, fair wage increases and protection against inflation.

IAPE and Dow Jones reps return to the bargaining table this afternoon. If you have any “expectations” you would like us to pass along to management, please let us know.