bargaining update 3/15: first session

A few updates from Bargaining Day 1: The session was short and straightforward, and mostly served to lay out expectations, ground rules and schedules moving forward. All of us on the bargaining committee introduced ourselves, and shared what's driving us in these negotiations -- fair pay, the company's long probationary period, restrictions for new hiring, extended leave policies, workforce development and diverse training.

 Martin Hammond and the rest of the company’s bargaining team introduced themselves (Michelle McKinnon, Kelly Hulin, Stef Loh and surprise guest Alan Fisco, who will not be at sessions moving forward), then told us they’re hoping for an “expedient” bargaining process because it’s a “distraction for everyone.”

 Fisco also shared a rundown of recent finances, which include challenges with declining ad revenue, delivery partnerships and increasing inflation-related costs, but noted the company remains financially stable. 

Martin again emphasized their desire for a quick bargaining process that includes a more “narrow” approach (a.k.a prioritizing and spending the most time on pay, review of the digital union contract and the company's remote work policy), and hinted that he doesn’t want us to “waste time” on contract language that falls further down the priority list. Rest assured, we'll still be raising the issues important to all of us.

We agreed to meet every other Wednesday, with the next session on March 29.