Bargaining Update: A Slow Trickle of Progress

IAPE and Dow Jones negotiators met today to review new union proposals, mostly responses to company offerings from Aug. 22 and Aug. 31 bargaining sessions.

In its latest proposal document, IAPE confirmed tentative agreements on shift differential payments for night shift work—the new top-up amount will equal $155 per week—and processes for assigning newly-classified jobs into the IAPE and Dow Jones introductory pay tier structure.

The union presented new counter proposals on stand-by pay and advance notice of disciplinary meetings—both of which were agreed to by the company—layoffs involving outsourcing and a cap on in-office working days through the end of 2025. IAPE also requested information about the new Dow Jones “PerformancePlus” employee evaluation system, announced earlier in the day by CPO Dianne DeSevo.

Dow Jones representatives explained that PerformancePlus is not a new evaluation platform, but rather a new “brand” for the People team. The company then shared a new document withdrawing a proposal to make self-evaluations mandatory for IAPE-represented employees, and modifying earlier proposals on seniority groups and return-to-office issues.

Union representatives reminded Dow Jones they are still awaiting information regarding health care costs. Company negotiators assured the union a response will be available soon. Management also expressed concerns about IAPE’s current wage proposal—annual raises of 12%, 8% and 8%—calling it “a difficult proposal for (Dow Jones) to respond to.”

There was no discussion of new beverage stations in New York.

Negotiations will resume next Tuesday in Princeton.

We Love a Parade!
Members in New York and the tri-state area, if you’re looking for something to do on Saturday morning, we have a perfect suggestion, and a great way to show your support for the IAPE contract team!

Join us for the New York City Labor Day Parade! We’ll meet up with our union siblings from the NewsGuild of New York at 45th Street and 6th Avenue between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. EDT (and we expect it will be closer to 11:00 before we join the parade crowd).

Wear your favorite IAPE t-shirt! If you don’t have an IAPE tee in your closet, a red or black top will be fine. All are welcome—bring the whole family!

Tomorrow: Photo Editors Join IAPE!
It’s almost here, a day we’ve been looking forward to for nearly one year! Tomorrow, Region 02 officers from the National Labor Relations Board will count ballots from WSJ Photo Editors voting to be included in the IAPE bargaining unit! All ballots will be commingled and counted at the NLRB offices starting at 10:00 a.m. EDT.

Area members are welcome to attend. An IAPE contingent will gather shortly before 10:00 a.m. outside the office for group photos to memorialize this long-awaited day. IAPE (or red) t-shirts are mandatory, and masks are strongly encouraged.

Because NLRB staff require advance notice of any anticipated audience, so they can assign an appropriately-sized meeting room, please let us know if you are planning to attend.

The Region 02 office address is 26 Federal Plaza, Suite 36-130, New York, NY 10278. For commuters, the nearest train stops are Chambers Street A, C, J, City Hall N, R, W, or Brooklyn Bridge - City Hall 4, 5, 6.

Next Week: IAPE Town Hall Meetings
All members are encouraged to join one of two IAPE virtual town hall meetings on Monday, Sept. 11. Meeting times are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. EDT. See your email for calendar invitations (and let us know if you have not received an invite). Members of the IAPE Bargaining Committee will be present to provide updates from contract negotiations.

If you have contract questions or comments between now and Monday, please send those along to union@iape1096.org.