Union pledges $500,000 for 'fair contract' campaign at Thomson Reuters

Negotiations to replace the current contract are expected to begin next month.​ The union’s executive committee approved the measure in advance of expiry of the current contract on 7 July.

“We’re not looking for a fight,” said Guild president Bill O’Meara. “But we are prepared for one. Since our last contract was settled, management at Thomson Reuters has taken every opportunity to try and undermine the spirit and drive of the very people who help make Reuters news a benchmark. As a result, the talent drain over the past year has accelerated as good journalists leave for better opportunities. We want a better future for our members at Reuters, and the work they produce. And we’re prepared to fight for it.”

The current contract provides that all terms remain in effect during negotiations. The union represents about 400 people in Reuters’ US editorial operations.

The Guild said O’Meara had appointed seven of its members to the bargaining team. They will be supported by Local representative Susan DeCarava and secretary-treasurer Peter Szekely, a former Reuters correspondent, as well as Hanan Kolko, the Guild’s legal counsel.

The bargaining team includes Guild members who work in editorial, technical and video. They are Dan Grebler, unit chair, Leslie Adler, unit grievance chair, Joseph Ax, Tony Barone, Kia Johnson, David Morgan and Dale Rippe. ■