Some Sun-Times Photogs Could Return As Part Of Tentative New Labor Deal
By Lisa White in News on Nov 25, 2013 10:30PM
Some of the photographers who were laid off from the Sun-Times earlier this year could be returning to their jobs next year if all goes well. Robert Feder reports that negotiators for Sun-Times Media and the Chicago Newspaper Guild reached an agreement late Friday on a new three-year contract. The tentative agreement still requires a ratification vote by the union membership.
Feder has more details on his site, but the most interesting part of the deal is that Sun-Times Media has agreed to bring back some of the 28 photographers that were laid off last May. There are no details yet on how many photographers will be offered jobs or the criteria for rehiring. Feder also reports that in exchange for this part of the deal, the union is expected to drop its unfair labor relations charge with the National Labor Relations Board. If everything goes as planned, the new contract will begin Jan. 1.
We have a feeling that some of the photography staff might not actually want to return to the Sun-Times after the circumstances that surrounded their dismissal. Also it is a safe bet that some have already found new employment. Hopefully for those that choose to return they will feel safe in their positions and deliver us wonderful snapshots that aren’t taken via iPhone.