Teamsters GCIU local 4N has started contract negotiations with the Hearst Corporation, in what many think will be a fierce labor battle. In december, the Chronicle hired notorious union buster Frank Vega as publisher, whose reputation followed him after a 20 month strike at The Detroit Free Press. One of the first moves from Vega, at the Chronicle, was to install surveillance cameras on workers and distribute a 17 page memo detailing the Chronicle's plan of strike-breaking in the event of a strike or lockout.

Negotiations - The Hearst/Chronicle proposals submitted to the various Chronicle unions whose contracts expired on July 1, 2005 include provisions for the Chronicle to dramatically reduce wages, outsource work, eliminate each union’s jurisdiction by allowing non-union employees to do union work side by side with union members, and create a two tier condition for wages and benefits. Despite the outrageous demands, the unions all agreed to enter into bargaining. According to representatives of Local 4N, the Hearst Corporation is refusing to bargain in good faith.

Community Support - The Hearst Corporation's unwillingness to engage in serious discussion with union representatives brought the issue to the streets where many members of the bay area’s labor community showed their support. Frustrated by stalled negotiations, Local 4N & community allies held a rally in front of the Chronicle building at 5th and Mission on Monday, July 11, 2005 Photos - 1

Related - Labor | Related articles on the newswire | GCIU Local 4N website