Philly newspaper drivers last holdout to scheduled bankruptcy sale Tuesday; pension at issue

Philly news drivers last holdout to court sale

PHILADELPHIA — The publisher of Philadelphia’s largest newspapers says union drivers are putting Tuesday’s scheduled bankruptcy sale of the company at risk.

Drivers who deliver The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News are balking at plans to end company contributions to their Teamsters’ pension fund. They are the only holdouts among 15 unions.

Publisher Greg Osberg says the company is trying to cut costs about 13 percent across the board. He says creditors will control the company whether the $139 million sale goes through Tuesday or not.

He says they would win a second auction if necessary, and impose conditions unilaterally.

Local Teamsters President John Laigaie (luh-ZHAY’) did not return a message Monday. His members voted Sunday to reject the latest offer.