Reuters reporters 'betrayed'

Adam Wright

09 Mar 2010

Union City

A giant union rat presides over picketing Guild members. (Adam Wright)

Facing massive cutbacks and "unconscionable" slashes in compensation, Reuters reporters took to the streets at noon March 5 in downtown Washington, DC, determined to win their fight for a fair contract.

 "We are facing very tense negotiations right now, which have been ongoing for over a year and a half" Debby Zabarenko, Reuters unit chair for the New York  Guild members, told Union City. "We understand the financial pressures that today's media face, but the cutbacks that Reuters is imposing on the workers are completely out of whack compared to the $36 million benefits package their CEO received in 2008."

As a giant inflatable union rat drew attention from lunchtime commuters, the workers blasted, "They say cutback, we say fight back" through their bullhorns and waved signs reading, "Reuters pay cuts equal quality cuts" while they circled the sidewalk.

"I feel utterly betrayed and disrespected by this greedy, high‑profit corporation," said Alan Elsner, a senior editor at Reuters with more than 30 years experience, who told Union City that he was recently diagnosed with cancer. "Under the new provisions they wish to impose on us, I will have to pay over 10% more for my cancer treatment -- it's not just unfair, it's unconscionable."

The union has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board and charges are also pending in the federal courts. "I'm so proud of the strength and commitment of these workers," added Zabarenko. "The unity and solidarity they show towards each other is key to winning this fight."