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Star Tribune, union reach tentative three-year agreement
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The Newspaper Guild and the Star Tribune reached a tentative agreement Wednesday concerning a proposed three-year contract.
Terms of the deal weren't released when the announcement was made, but the approximately 300 Star Tribune union members including newsroom, circulation and promotion employees will get details today, and will meet Wednesday to discuss the proposal and to vote on it eight days before the current contract expires.
Graydon Royce, co-chairman of the newsroom unit, said that the proposal addresses economic and operational matters, and includes $2.5 million in cost reductions the company requested in April.
Editor Nancy Barnes praised both parties for reaching a tentative deal, but didn't discuss details other than to say that the company will achieve those savings through a variety of means, including the elimination of some newsroom jobs.
"These are very difficult times, and I commend the work of both parties," she said. "I'm glad that we're done."
The new contract would be in effect Aug. 1 through July 31, 2011, and if ratified would include the elimination of six positions, with the intent to offer buyouts, Royce said.
Like most daily newspapers, the Star Tribune has faced a sharp decline in display and classified advertising. Since its sale in March 2007 to Avista Capital Partners, the newsroom has lost more than 80 reporters, editors, photographers and designers through two rounds of buyouts and the elimination of open positions.
JIM BUCHTA
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