Star Tribune newsroom labor deal ratified

Newsroom workers at the Star Tribune on Wednesday ratified an agreement for a three-year labor contract that is expected to save the newspaper about $2.4 million a year.

The vote by members of the Newspaper Guild/Communications Workers of America was 210-27.

The deal includes a 16-month wage freeze, followed by three semiannual raises ranging from 1 to 1.5 percent. It also shifts a greater share of health care costs to employees but maintains the company's pension plans.

The company will cut six newsroom jobs by offering voluntary buyout packages.

"We're relieved the contract is settled and we can get back to journalism," said Graydon Royce, co-chairman of the union's Star Tribune unit. "The conditions of the industry and this company made it a tough process, but the committee feels strongly this deal is in our best interests and the best interests of the newspaper."

Nancy Barnes, the Star Tribune's editor and senior vice president, also welcomed the agreement.

"I am very glad we have a deal," Barnes said. "I want to thank the Guild members who worked on this with us under very stressful circumstances, and I am looking forward to putting this behind us and concentrating on journalism together."