Bury the Lead

On the 1st week anniversary of the AFSCME strike of the U, the STRIB buries the lead. While it's business page ignores a strike at the 3rd largest employer in Minnesota, Jeff Shelman provides a brief update on the bottom of the 3rd page of the metro section. Under the headline "No new talks are planned in 2nd week of U walkout" the STRIB reports that the State Mediator Jan Johnson has not called the two sides to the table because it will require a call from someone to "say they are willing to move." The someone in the quote is the U administatration, especially President Bruininks and Provost Sullivan, who refuse to negotiate in good faith. Moreover, Shelman's healdine implies that nothing newsworthy is happening regarding the strike. He fails to mention the TEACH IN's today (Tuesday) and tomorrow, nor does he mention the support activities of legislators, faculty, students, workers, and business to sustain the strike and to call out the adminstration's unfair contract offer. The STRIB needs more reporting on the ground if it hopes to to provide timely news coverage.