New Deal at BBNA Guarantees Raises for Guild Members

A new 3-year contract with Bloomberg BNA (Bureau of National Affairs) would increase wages, freeze health care costs for two years, increase new-parent leave and protect retiree health care for Newspaper Guild members. Proposed annual increases range from 2.5 to 4 percent and all Guild-covered employees will receive a $425 signing bonus. "We were able to fend off most of management’s demands regarding the workweek," the Guild reported; 37.5 hours is still the “norm”, but there are some changes in how overtime is calculated. "Unfortunately, we did take some hits in job security in order to secure the economic benefits," the Guild noted, including a reduced notice period for layoffs and the right to subcontract work. A ratification vote will take place next week.