The Albany Newspaper Guild has rejected concession proposals from The Times Union in Albany N.Y, Editor and Publisher reported on Monday. The newsroom staff rejected benefit cuts that would have seen an increase in outsourcing and reduced hierarchical lay offs.

The guild members voted conclusively for rejection of the offer with 125 votes to 35.

"Had the membership approved the company's proposal, we would have respected their decision and been bound by it," Albany Newspaper Guild President Tim O'Brien said in a statement. "The publisher sought this vote, told members how important it was to him that they vote and he needs to respect their decision. Our members were quite clear on what they found unacceptable in the company's offer and they have been telling us what changes would make it acceptable. We intend to seek new bargaining dates and to go forward with a renewed spirit of flexibility."

The newspaper's concession proposal followed nine months of failed contract negotiations that resulted in the Time Union's revocation of its contract with the guild in April. The guild represents 240 of the newspaper's 450 employees

A new contract, proffered the same month, contained two contentions provisions; the first withdrew considerations of seniority in the lay off process and the second allowed the newspaper to outsource union jobs. The contract included $500 bonuses for 2009 and 2010.

In response to the cancellation the guild organized a boycott of the newspaper including an advertising campaign asking readers to cancel subscriptions. The operation began in May with ads posted in three rival local papers The Legislative Gazette, The Spotlight Newspapers, and the Metroland weekly and a Web site, www.cancelthetu.com.

However, Monday's rejection came with renewed amicability and according to O'Brien the guild would stop boycott efforts: "As a sign of our good faith, the Guild is suspending its advertising campaign so that we can go forward with a new spirit of collaboration. We look forward to returning to the table, and we believe the parties can and should come together in a compromise that will reflect both the perilous nature of our times as well as the need to continue to produce a quality newspaper staffed by local employees."