Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Smoking Fee Lifted at Tribune Company



I was a bit shocked to read today’s Chicago Tribune’s article regarding the rescinding of the tobacco use fee by Sam Zell this morning. According to the story only 600 of us Tribune Employees, out of 16,000 employees, actually claimed to be smokers.

The 600 employees that told the truth will receive $400 at the end of May, after taxes naturally, to reimburse us for the fees collected so far this year.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is my belief that the arbitration brought by Local 406 has something to do with that decision. That ruling along with the spousal surcharge is still pending, but we actually did really well at the hearing.
I cant believe that the change was done out of the goodness of their hearts at Tribune.
Why would it be after taxes? I thought the money went in after taxes. Peace. Lou.

Edward Padgett said...

Hi Lou,

I had the tobacco fee mixed up with the medical reimbursement program, so I stand corrected on this matter.

Not certain whom to thank for the removal of this levy we were imposed with?

Management has made it clear, in their opinion, that the unions had nothing to do with the rescinding of the smokers fee, which makes me wonder if they are speaking the truth.

Hope the transaction works out well for all of you at Newsday.

Edward

Anonymous said...

Lou is correct in what he saids,What get me pissed-off is the money they find to pay 5 lawyers & 2 v.p.'s to fight this in arbitration!Plus airfare,meals,car rental&hotel(you know it's not the commack motor inn.Hey Sam you would never know this is a company on the balls of there a.. oh buy the way local 406 had 1 lawyer Tom Lilly Jr.
Ronnie keep up the good work it will pay-off in the end
Mike LaSpina