The St. Louis Newspaper Guild unit at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch agreed to a new five-and-a-half year contract with an initial wage cut, but future salary increases.

“By a vote of 132 to 54, the St. Louis Newspaper Guild approved on Saturday a 5½-year contract with the Post-Dispatch,” the story stated. “About 74 percent of the Guild's members cast votes. The Guild represents employees in the newsroom, advertising and building service at the Post.”

The story added: “The contract calls for a 6 percent wage cut, along with three unpaid, one-week furloughs over the next 2½ years. Wages would bounce back by 2.5 percent in each of the last three years of the contract if company revenue increases by at least 2 percent a year.”