NEW YORK — The Associated Press told the News Media Guild on Friday that it will not pay any of an estimated $1 million in increased health care costs and that Guild-covered staff must pay the full cost of projected increases.

“Nobody’s disputing the company can pay more, but the company doesn’t want to,” said Sue Gilkey, global director of AP employee benefits.

The Guild has proposed employees pay 5 percent of premium costs. The Guild has already accepted many methods to save the company money, including a reduced sick leave policy, mandatory generic drugs and other cost containments. Continue reading →