The publisher of Philadelphia's two largest newspapers is pushing unionized drivers to agree to contract terms before Tuesday's bankruptcy sale deadline. Drivers who deliver The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News are balking at plans to end company contributions to their Teamsters' pension fund. They are the only holdouts. About 15 other union groups, including the editorial unit, have agreed to contracts that include wage cuts and furloughs. Creditors who bid $139 million to win this year's auction of the company insist they will not close the sale without an agreement with the drivers. John Laigaie, president of the drivers unit, did not immediately return a message Monday. His members voted a second time Sunday to reject the creditors' offer.
|