LONG ISLAND, N.Y., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Newsday's six
collective bargaining units have voted to accept agreements negotiated by
representatives of Newsday and the Graphic Communications
Conference/International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 406. The bargaining
units include editorial, building services, platemaking, pressroom, pre-press
and transportation and cover approximately two thirds of Newsday's employees.
The agreements replace 10-year contracts due to expire in the next six months.
    Following around-the-clock negotiations last week, the union's membership
ratified the final agreements yesterday. The new agreements are retroactive to
January 1, 2006 and will expire in 2010.
    Key elements of the new agreements include:

     -- 4-year contract terms
     -- no base-wage increase in January 2006
     -- 2% annual pay increases each year for 2007 - 2009, and .5% lump-sum
        payments in 2007 and 2008
     -- an increase in employee healthcare contributions beginning in 2007
     -- workforce reduction of approximately 65 employees in pressroom and
        transportation areas, and severance payments for affected employees
     -- replacement of the current pension plan with a defined contribution
        plan
     -- outsourcing of single copy delivery in Queens
     -- lump-sum payments for contract-related savings, including severance
        payments for affected employees

    Newsday Publisher Tim Knight noted, "This marks a successful conclusion of
the bargaining process that started this past August. We appreciate the
union's commitment to constructive bargaining. All parties demonstrated that
they want Newsday to be successful moving forward -- for readers, advertisers,
the communities we serve and, of course, our employees."
    Underscoring the significance of concluding the bargaining process, Knight
added, "These agreements enable Newsday to turn an important corner.  The
terms reflect the significant changes that have taken place in our industry
such as efficiencies brought about by technology, better process management
and rising health care costs. Having negotiations behind us means we can focus
on rebuilding this great newspaper to serve its readers and advertisers with
excellent journalism, innovative high quality products, and a commitment to
the community."

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