Globe Drivers’ Union Makes Tough Decision

Faced with a choice between a potential shutdown of the delivery wing of the Boston Globe and $2.5 million in wage and benefit cuts, the drivers’ union has chosen the latter. According to the Boston Globe’s owner, the New York Times Co., the wage and benefit cuts are necessary for the continued operation of the paper.

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The vote to ratify the new concessions was close: 89 voted in favor while 69 voted against it. This development is especially painful for the union, considering that just six months ago it accepted another $2.5 million worth of wage and benefit cuts. According to the union, the wage cuts are necessary to keep not only the drivers’ jobs, but the jobs of everyone involved with the newspaper.

So far, various Globe unions have come together to cut nearly $10 million in costs, but the New York Times Co. has said that it needs $20 million in cuts to continue operating the paper. Some analysts have chalked the trouble up to the fact that technology is rapidly drawing readers and advertisers away from print sources.