June 25, 2015
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
Bill Ross (in suit, bottom left), the executive director of the Newspaper Guild of Greater Philadelphia Local 38010, stands before members of the union who held a rally Thursday.
Members of the Newspaper Guild of Greater Philadelphia, which represents the newsrooms at the Inquirer, Daily News and Philly.com staged a midday rally outside of their offices on Market Street Thursday to show solidarity during a contentious contract negotiation.
In early June, guild members overwhelmingly authorized a strike if deemed necessary.
The news organizations' parent company, Philadelphia Media Network, and the guild are battling over health care costs, seniority protections and the pay scale for Philly.com workers. According to Philadelphia magazine, there was a lengthy negotiation session between the two sides on Monday that was overseen by a federal monitor, but no deal was reached.
The union asked members to assemble outside around noon and “wear [Communication Workers of America] Red.” They were joined by representatives from other area unions.
Around 125 to 150 people attended the rally, according to eyewitnesses to the event.
A letter from the Philadelphia Media Network published by Philadelphia magazine on Thursday invited employees to keep working if a strike is called. It also said that an employee's job might not be there when a strike is over.
"If there is still work available, employees will be able to return to work after the strike," the letter said. "If there is not work available for everyone, then some of the striking employees will not be able to return at that time."
The union replied to that letter calling it a disingenuous attempt to frighten employees.
The current contract expires on June 27th.
