Our long national nightmare is over!
Conde Nast has reached an agreement with the union representing magazine employees. There will be no picket line today at the Met Gala.
Whew!
It only took the spectre of celebrities in Halloween costumes having to walk past strikers to bring Conde Nast to its knees. The literally waited until the last minute to give the Union some of their demands.
Top of the list was Anna Wintour gets to keep wearing sunglasses indoors.
Also employees will be allowed to eat occasionally!
Here is an actual statement from the Union:
“WHEN WE FIGHT, WE WIN: We are excited to announce that we have a tentative agreement with Conde Nast on our first contract. Our pledge to do ‘whatever it takes’ ahead of the Met Gala moved the company and our progress at the bargaining table kicked into high gear…
“Just some of our wins: $61,500 starting salary floor; an end to the two-tier permalance system, just cause, expanded bereavement leave, two more weeks of family leave (14 total) and $3.3 million in total wage increases…For our colleagues on the layoff list we secured eight weeks severance, three months of COBRA coverage or, in lieu of COBRA, a one time lump sum payment; an additional $1,000 payment and much more.
“Our persistent fight for our rights and for the best win possible is why we have this tentative agreement. Ratification will take place this week.”
Well, mazel tov! If they’re happy, we’re happy! I did think COBRA was automatic for at least six months, but what do i know?
And now, on with the show!
