Pantagraph May Unionize

Tools

Pantagraph May Unionize

By WEEK Producer

Story Published: Dec 8, 2008 at 10:49 PM CST

Story Updated: Dec 8, 2008 at 10:56 PM CST

Dozens of demonstrators were outside the Pantagraph building in downtown Bloomington to support Pantagraph production workers who are voting Wednesday on whether or not they'll unionize.

Efforts to unionize are coming with the help of the St. Louis Newspaper Guild. Representatives from the UAW, Electric Workers, AFLCIO, and Laborers union were all outside the Pantagraph building tonight,

But Pantagraph employees were encouraged not to attend by other unions at the rally.

Former Pantagraph employee Steve Arney says some workers would favor unionizing.

"Many of them feel collective bargaining is in their interest." Arney said. "They want a say in their wages, benefits and conditions. They don't want to just take what's given to them, which is the way it is now."

Arney says workers might want a union because according to him, pay raises haven't been consistent with inflation. And among other reasons, workers have also seen a reduction in 401k benefits.

Wednesday, Dec 10 at 8:42 AM Bob wrote ...

Go ahad and get the union in there and see what happen's. Just like the UAW do us retirees at cat. We got Sr--- by the union. We retired under the old contract but when the new contract was signed we know have to pay for our insurance. We had "NO" say so in the contract and the union didn't care. There just looking out for themselves and there nice pay checks. And what ever happened to the no smoking on cat property. The union backed down on that also. The unions are a thing of the past!

Tuesday, Dec 9 at 9:50 PM Unions stink wrote ...

From my experince,as well as my friends who have been in unions.Unions stink,they don't really do much for you.Instead they take money out of your paycheck for the dues owed.My union was never there when I needed answers.

Tuesday, Dec 9 at 7:47 PM Lefty wrote ...

Wow, that's not angry! Seriously, Do you really think that it's the workers who cause the problems in American business? Workers just do what they're told...and then usually just get crumbs. Yeah, it's their fault.

Tuesday, Dec 9 at 5:26 PM Church Camp wrote ...

Steve Arney has a face for radio. Who cares what a fired employee thinks? He's the one speaking for the Pantagraph employees? I don't think so.

Tuesday, Dec 9 at 6:57 AM Dan wrote ...

Go ahead and unionize next year you can join the Chicago Tribune when Pantagraph files for bankruptcy like GM Ford etc.

Tuesday, Dec 9 at 6:06 AM Mr. Obvious wrote ...

Print media is doing so well in this country. Maybe the union can do what they did for the auto industry.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

WEEK News 25 - and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

More Good Stuff
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Stock Quotes

What's On TonightFull Schedule

Local Business Dir

Poll

Who is this week's DriveChevy.com Prep Rally Performer of the Week?

  • Tevin Hicks-Richwoods (256 yds rushing, TD)
  • Justin RIley-Washington (135 yds rushing, 3 TDs)
  • T.J. Stinde-Lexington (338 yds rushing, 2 TDs)