UMG members ratify new agreement with the Post-Dispatch

Our members at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch overwhelmingly approved our new three-year contract with Lee Enterprises. Here is an overview of the agreement:

The contract will create a new top step in each pay scale with an increase of 3 percent for 2022, 3 percent for 2023 and 2 percent for 2024 over the current top of scale.

For salespersons working on base-plus-commission, their base pay will increase 3 percent in 2022, 3 percent in 2023 and 2 percent in 2024.

The company will make a one-time 401 K contribution of $250 for each member on October of 2022. Otherwise the company’s 401 K contribution will remain at $75 per month.

The company will continue covering the cost of parking and the shuttle service at the downtown office. That cost coverage expired with the previous contract.

Interns will be allowed to work up to 6 months, but  their pay will increase to $15 per hour.

There will be no increases in medical insurance premiums or out-of-pocket costs in 2022.

The contract will include the language on working remotely during the pandemic:

“In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, for the duration of the St. Louis City Department of Health/Health Commissioner’s mask mandate and continuing through its extensions, if any, but not to exceed July 4, 2022, the Company will allow Guild members the option to work remotely if the performance of their job functions allows such work and the necessary equipment is already available.

“Upon expiration of such mask mandate, but no later than July 5, 2022, Guild members may be allowed to work remotely at the discretion of Management. No decision by the Company on schedule flexibility will be made in an arbitrary or capricious manner. Guild members may appeal management’s decision to the Director of Human Resources & Labor, who will inform the Guild of any such appeal.”