Some of the 28 photographers laid off from the Chicago Sun-Times this summer could be rehired thanks to a tentative agreement between the newspaper and the photogs' union.
Robert Feder reports a three-year contract was reached last week between Sun-Times Media and the Chicago Newspaper Guild that affects about 130 editorial staffers. Once ratified, the deal will take effect Jan. 1, according to Feder.
The photojournalists, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning John White and photo editor Ernie Torres, were fired in May. The newspaper said at the time the decision was part of its move toward more digital content, particularly video, and said reporters would be responsible for taking photos along with freelance photographers.
The fired photographers and their supporters demonstrated in front of the newspaper's building a week after learning they were losing their jobs.
"There's no place in my heart for anger," White said. "I'm hurt, sure, I'm human, I'm disappointed, but I don't curse darkness, I light candles."
The Chicago Newspaper Guild has fought to get back all of the jobs, but it's not clear how many photographers would be hired back as part of the new contract.
Sun-Times publisher Jim Kirk told Feder in a statement that the deal "will ensure that our employees and management are working together to meet the demands of the market."
David Pollard, president of the Chicago Newspaper Guild, said the union is "ready to move forward with management to make sure the company remains successful."
