Chicago Tribune Settles Long Dispute With Union

The Chicago Tribune said Friday it has agreed to a settlement involving cash buyouts and lifetime annuities for union members who walked out more than three years ago.

When the strike began, 240 printers walked out over company moves to gain greater control over hiring and assignments in the composing room.

Under the agreement, 119 printers who have remained on strike will have the option of a buyout or a lifetime annuity, as well as company-paid medical insurance. Fifty who remained at the newspaper since a 1986 unconditional offer to return can stay, or can each accept a $30,000 cash buyout.