Contract Negotiations Postponed -- And Layoff News

The regular, weekly contract negotiation meeting between IAPE and Dow Jones, originally scheduled for this morning at 10:00 a.m. EDT, has been canceled. Contract talks will resume next Thursday, June 6.

The company requested a delay due to the Memorial Day holiday and vacation time causing management representatives necessary for the preparation of proposals to be unavailable.

Fine, Whatever. What About Layoffs?
We’ve all heard the rumors—layoffs are expected in the US News department . . . sometime.  The union has learned IAPE members are receiving invitations to “organizational update” meetings occurring throughout the day. In our recent experience, receiving an invitation for such a meeting is an indication you are about to find out about layoffs first-hand.

Dow Jones management has not provided formal layoff notices to the union. Typically, layoff notices are shared with IAPE after each individual has been notified by HR that their position has been eliminated.

Under the terms of the contract between IAPE and Dow Jones—which expired on March 29, but terms and conditions remain in effect—the company must provide at least 30 days’ advance notice of layoffs. During rounds of job cuts in 2023 and earlier this year, management has instructed employees to stop working on the date notices are issued, even though they remain on payroll for that 30-day period prior to the delivery of severance pay.

Once notices are delivered to the union office, IAPE will share basic layoff information with each individual who has provided a personal email address to the union—because Dow Jones network access is usually shut off immediately (so, if you have not provided a personal email address or phone number to the union, please send yours today).

IAPE will also investigate to ensure all seniority rights and contract protections have been followed by Dow Jones.

Members invited to layoff meetings are encouraged to remove personal material from any Dow Jones device, drive or inbox before network access is terminated.

If you have any questions about layoffs at Dow Jones, or if you ever receive a layoff notice and have any questions at all, please contact IAPE or your nearest union representative.