BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) – The Buffalo Newspaper Guild, the union that represents The Buffalo News employees, has reached a preliminary agreement with Davenport, Iowa newspaper owner Lee Enterprises.
The agreement reached on Friday afternoon will last three years, subject to ratification by the guild.
Buffalo Newspaper Guild president Sandra Tan told News 4 earlier this month that Lee Enterprises wanted authority to fire all guild workers for any reason and to outsource jobs. Lee also wanted to freeze employee pensions, according to the union’s website. News 4 had asked Lee Enterprises for an explanation, they had “no comment”.
The tentative agreement marks the end of a two-week byline strike by TBN writers. The guild says their mission from the start has been to protect local journalism. You say that the new agreement contains both advantages and compromises.
“We believe this tentative agreement is good business for our members and a lot better business than what many other newspaper workers across the country are getting,” said Guild President Sandra Tan. “Our thanks go to the Western New York Community, who have stood by us over the past few months and helped make this agreement possible.”
“We believe these negotiations highlight the important role of newspaper unions in protecting local journalism and the people who make it possible,” added Tan.
“We believe the community here in Western New York is recognizing this and we are very grateful.”
Brian Connolly, vice president of business development, said, “The News was keen to strike a fair deal that would allow our company to adapt and grow,” said Tom Wiley, president and editor of The Buffalo News. “This contract fulfills this goal and positions us well for the future.”
Details of the preliminary agreement are expected to be communicated to guild members on Monday.
Patrick Ryan is a digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2020. See more of his work here.
Comments are closed.