Why Oh Why Can't We Have a Better Press Corps?
A message from the Communications Workers of America, about the Washington Post:
Background: The 400 production workers at the Washington Post have not seen a wage increase in five years. Five years. For much of that time, since May 2003, the workers have been fighting for a fair labor contract. But the Post has been holding things up. And now the Post is after the workers’ employee-funded pension plan....
What Is The Main Issue Holding Up A Contract? Right now, the production workers have a national pension plan administered jointly by a board of employer and union trustees. But the Post is now demanding the right to withdraw from that plan, as well as requesting the unilateral right to decide what to do with the money in the plan. That money has been diverted from the workers pay raises over the last 30 years. It belongs to the workers. That’s right - the Post is asking to take pension money that has been coming out of its workers’ paychecks.
You might say, “But times are tough. Everybody's got to tighten their belt. Right?”
But times aren't tough for the Washington Post. In 2006, the company reported $324.5 million in profits, and Post executives rewarded themselves with millions in bonuses.
Let's Review: $324.5 million in profits for the Post, millions in bonuses for Post executives, — and absolutely nothing for production workers.
No raises. No parity. No help on health care. No improved benefits. Is this the same Washington Post that claims to be a watchdog against corporate greed? We don't think so.
