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What a soap opera. The RNPA will agree to the furloughs. Here's the note they got today from their leader:


For several weeks, the RNPA has been negotiating confidentially with Media General to settle all differences between us and forestall a battle over a new labor contract.
This week, we had a huge opportunity within our grasp to achieve harmony in the newsroom and a common focus on our purpose as journalists.
But Media General never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity.
Yesterday, Media General pulled back from key elements of a package deal that went far beyond four furlough days. This package deal would have allowed us to avoid arbitration on key issues such as recall of laid-off employees, adequate notice of future layoffs, and severance pay for four part-time employees who didn't get a dime despite 70 years of service to Richmond Newspapers. It would have extended the labor agreement so we could focus on the newspaper instead of confrontation.
It even would have resolved the consequences of the false and intimidating letter sent to you on Aug. 14 by the publisher, who as a result has prompted a new investigation by the National Labor Relations Board of a blatant attempt to punish you for supporting the RNPA.
Let us be clear: the RNPA never refused to participate in the new round of furloughs. We simply insisted that the furloughs be part of a package deal that would settle all disputes and give the news staff a chance to focus on work instead of negotiating a new contract in a few months. When Media General reneged on portions of the package, we said we didn't have a deal. We didn't end negotiations and we didn't refuse to participate in furloughs.
Media General, through the people who are supposed to lead this newspaper, misrepresented the nature of our negotiations and the position of the RNPA. The company continues to do so because it is using your fear in an attempt to undermine the union. It said we had refused to participate when, in fact, we were still talking to the company's lead lawyer as late as this afternoon.
The company's fear campaign is pointless. We never rejected furloughs because we always were prepared to accept them. We listened when you told us late last month that you were willing to take the furlough days but wanted something in return. We had an opportunity for a settlement that would have given much in return to you and to your former colleagues who were laid off.
We will agree to the furlough days. But it is sad that Media General has squandered its opportunity to settle all differences, bring peace to the newsroom, and show respect to the news staff.

 

The response, and it may be me reading more into it but it does sound like more cuts were the alternate plan.


Staff:

Thank you for agreeing to participate in the 4th quarter four-day furlough plan. This will allow us to move forward and not resort to actions that would further damage our newsroom and the quality of our print and online products. Your supervisors will begin immediately to work with you on scheduling the additional furlough days.

Like all of you, we saw today’s unfortunate email from the RNPA. We do not see the need to dwell on the specifics.

Glenn

 

Please, gang, I know you mean no harm but please stop trying to read anything into my thoughts. I posted what I think on the job opening thread: I invested a lot of time into that paper and most of the current staff. I love Steve. Go in with your eyes wide open. Certainly worth investigating. No newspaper job right now is free from concern/worry. Ask a lot of questions. But I have never once advised staying away.

 

No halting that I've heard.