• by Ray Schultz , June 18, 2024

Two dozen union members at Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, New York) and Canandaigua Daily Messenger have unanimously ratified a collective bargaining agreement with owner Gannett, following two-and-a-half years of negotiations and a 19-day strike, according to Democrat and Chronicle.

The two-year deal includes: 

• An average raise of 15% over the two years of the contract 
• Raises of up to $10,000 and $20,000
• A minimum salary scale
• $1,000 bonus for employees when the contract becomes official 

The contract also provides new layoff and disciplinary protections.

“We sincerely believe these terms benefit our hard-working and talented journalists while positioning our local publications to continue providing stability and growth,” the NewsGuild of Rochester and management said in a joint statement, Democrat and Chronicle reports.