Star Tribune drivers to vote on tentative deal

Unionized drivers are set to vote on a tentative contract agreement with the Star Tribune as the newspaper prepares to emerge from bankruptcy protection.

Teamsters Local 638 and the newspaper reached the deal Friday. The local, representing about 190 full- and part-time drivers, had threatened to strike if a bankruptcy judge allows the Star Tribune to void the current contract.

The Star Tribune wanted to pull out of a multi-employer pension plan that's costing the newspaper more than $1 million a year.

Local 638 business agent Bob Moore declined to comment before Wednesday's vote. The local was the last major bargaining unit that had not agreed to concessions. Star Tribune spokesman Ben Taylor says talks continue with four smaller units.

The Star Tribune filed for bankruptcy protection in January.

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