Chicago Tribune carrier dispute ends in arrests

The Chicago Tribune reports on the union way:

A labor dispute involving newspaper carriers for the Chicago Tribune led to the arrest of four people Sunday morning and delayed home delivery to about 7,000 customers.

As many as 25 carriers refused to make their scheduled deliveries during a dispute at a distribution warehouse in the 2900 block of North Western Avenue, Chicago Tribune spokeswoman Christine Hennessey said. She declined to discuss details of the dispute. But carriers told WGN-TV that they are underpaid.

The Tribune leases delivery routes to several contract workers at the warehouse, who in turn hire carriers, Hennessey said.

The dispute involved two contractors and their drivers, she said. Backup drivers were called, but Hennessey said she did not know how many were used.

In a statement, the Tribune said it has "strong, professional relationships with numerous delivery contractors throughout Chicago."

"In turn, we believe and hope that they continue to have similar positive relationships with their home delivery carriers," the statement said.

The four people were arrested on misdemeanor counts after refusing to leave the facility about 4:30 a.m., police said.

Unions and property rights don't really mix.