SuperMedia Bargaining 2012: Report # 1

This afternoon, your bargaining team met formally with representatives of SuperMedia in Philadelphia to begin negotiations to replace the existing contracts for Bensalem, Chadds Ford, Bethelhem and Monroeville. The current agreements expire at midnight, February 11th.

The Company provided an opening statement focusing on the continued “sharp decline” of the business and the challenges in today’s marketplace.

SuperMedia did have one positive paragraph which stated in part; “The greatest asset we have in making our growth strategy work is our employee. We believe our media consultants are highly driven to succeed…we believe they are the best trained, best equipped, and most adaptable sales force in the media industry. But “Until such time the business can turn the corner, we have an obligation to continue to take steps to balance available resources with the needs of operating the business.”

Your committee advised SuperMedia that the turn in the corner to profitability does not run through the pockets of our members.

SuperMedia then submitted it’s bargaining agenda, which, while not a detailed proposal, indicates clearly that their planed road to profitability includes attacking their employee Health Benefits and Retirement Security.

The Union team also presented it’s agenda, including items of improving Job Security, Total Targeted Comp, Bonus Plan, Car Allowance, and Base Wage Increases for all titles.

Bargaining will resume Wednesday, January 18th.