Pioneer Press seeks $2M in savings from union

St. Paul, Minn. (AP) — The management of the St. Paul Pioneer Press is asking its largest union for benefit and wage cuts that will save the company more than $2 million.

Editor Thom Fladung told employees on Wednesday that the proposal is in response to the economic downturn. Newsroom employees are expected to bear the brunt of the cuts.

The company's proposals include pay freezes, pay cuts, 401(k) match freezes and elimination of merit pay and premium pay for night work.

Dave Orrick, a local officer with the Newspaper Guild, says Fladung made it clear that if they can't reach a deal, it would mean fewer newsroom jobs.

Orrick says the union has asked for more information, and once it has been received the union will discuss the next steps with its members.

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