New Inquirer members ratify contract.

Dear Guild family:

I am ecstatic and so very proud to report that The Inquirer Product, Design and Engineering members who voted to unionize earlier this year have ratified their first contract.

That means the NewsGuild of Greater Philadelphia is now 22 members stronger. The PDE team is composed of brilliant, dedicated people whose work is essential to The Inquirer's future growth. And what an asset they are going to be to the Guild as a whole.

By standing firm, they achieved everything they had identified as a priority in their first contract, including substantial savings for healthcare, and preservation of vacation and their 37.5-hour workweek, while gaining all other relevant aspects of the current three-year contract all other Inquirer Guild members are working under.

Now together, those Guild members and the PDE will negotiate for a new contract for all beginning early next year.

My deepest thanks to the three PDE negotiators: Eva von Weltin, Rosi Dispensa and Katy Fry. They left me in awe.

As the final contract negotiation of my Guild and Inquirer career, it was an honor to watch them strategize and fight to get what they considered was essential for their PDE colleagues.

With executive director Bill Ross guiding the way, I have boundless optimism for the next contract.

Until then, let us all congratulate the PDE team and welcome them into the Guild family.

In solidarity and enthusiasm,

Diane