In Albany, leaders of the Guild, mailroom and pressmen’s unions united Nov. 13 in their opposition to the company’s proposal to raise health care costs by more than 30 percent. All four union leaders told management they are willing to have their members pay the same percentage increase that the company would pay, about 12.5 percent.

Guild members played a pivotal role as ownership of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat changed hands last week. A local investment group announced its purchase minutes after Guild members ratified a new contract, a deal bankers demanded be done as a condition of financing. It was a unanimous Guild vote but the outcome was hardly a sure thing. The membership had to accept deep pay and benefit cuts, including loss of all further company contributions to a pension plan. In exchange, the purchase group agreed to an unprecedented three-year contract with guarantees against layoffs, expanded Guild jurisdiction and the promise of a fresh start for quality journalism. Photo: Unit chair Derek Moore and new Press Democrat CEO Steve Falk sign the Guild contract.

Bargaining between the Guild and the Sun-Times Media Group began in August, with the next session planned for Tuesday, Nov. 13. While core economic issues haven't yet been discussed, various job security issues have been on the table.