The News Media Guild agreement with The Associated Press is a living document negotiated by the union and the company to set the terms and conditions under which AP employees work. It is like a constitution which outlines our rights and obligations and sets procedures. It is the ultimate authority in AP's relationship with the approximately 1,500 employees represented by this union.
The contract details the rights of both the company and its employees -- including wages and overtime, holidays, vacations, sick leave, advancement opportunities, health care benefits and pensions. The contract outlines AP's minimum responsibilities to its Guild-covered employees. Nothing bars AP from paying higher wages or providing better benefits or conditions of employment than those specified. However, no employee is allowed to work for less than these minimum standards.
This contract is the result of many years of dedicated service by countless AP Guild members. Many people have contributed time and money, in addition to their regular dues, to guarantee these benefits to Guild-covered employees.
The contract changes continually, and Guild members throughout the AP contribute to it. Guild bargaining has kept our wages ahead of inflation. There are also many "quality of life" contract provisions that have been improved by the suggestions of our members. The following summarizes the achievements of Wire Service Guild members since 1980.
Table of contents:
- 401(k)
- Advancement opportunities
- Anti-Discrimination
- Dependent care
- Differentials
- Employee assistance
- Evaluations
- Experience rating
- Fees
- Health and safety
- Health insurance
- Job security
- Job sharing and four-day work week