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Last time we were inside the Reuters building, typically mild-mannered journalists who work for the news service were wandering through the crowd to distribute flyers bearing various sorts of union agitprop. That was because the reporters there went more than two years without a contract after the last one expired, and the union had already rejected one proffered deal. Last month, final, the two sides came to agreement. Then a memo arrived in New York Reuters staffers' inboxs today. The highlight:

As part of the company's budget review, the Facilities Department was tasked with cutting its cost of operation by a substantial amount in line with 2006 targets. To meet this challenge, while improving the service we provide, we are adopting some new measures that will help us meet our goal with a minimum of inconvenience to the community at 3 Times Square.

As a first step, we will no longer provide paper plates and cutlery in the pantries on each floor. This initiative will help us streamline our fulfillment operation and realize a cost savings of nearly $100,000.

And suddenly we realized why the negotiation had been so tough: Apparently Reuters journos are accustomed to being fed with sporks plated in gold.

The full memo is after the jump.

From: [redacted]
Sent: Monday, January 09, 2006 8:48 AM
To: All New York City Staff
Subject: For 3XSQ Staff - New policy regarding service provided in Pantries

THIS APPLIES TO 3XSQ STAFF

As part of the company s budget review, the Facilities Department was tasked with cutting its cost of operation by a substantial amount in line with 2006 targets. To meet this challenge, while improving the service we provide, we are adopting some new measures that will help us meet our goal with a minimum of inconvenience to the community at 3 Times Square.

As a first step, we will no longer provide paper plates and cutlery in the pantries on each floor. This initiative will help us streamline our fulfillment operation and realize a cost savings of nearly $100,000. We will continue to provide complimentary coffee and tea service along with paper towels and/or napkins. Plastic cutlery and plates will be available in the Cafe on the 16th floor should you need them; however, we would like to discourage the practice of taking more than you need.

In the pantries, canned soda will increase to 75 cents per can and candy to 85 cents, which is more in line with the actual cost of these items.

We appreciate your continued support and trust you will understand that these changes are necessary to maintain our service while helping the company realize its cost containment goals.

Thank you.

Ellen Severino
Director, Conference Center Services
Reuters