Judge weighs bankruptcy sale of Philadelphia newspapers to creditors; labor woes unresolved

Judge weighs court sale of Philly newspapers

PHILADELPHIA — Tensions remain high between two union groups at Philadelphia’s largest newspapers and creditors hoping to have their bid for the company confirmed in bankruptcy court.

A bankruptcy judge is set to confirm the sale of The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News to creditors at a Thursday afternoon hearing.

But the incoming owners tell the Inquirer that unionized delivery drivers and mailers have not signed contracts and pose a strike risk that could force them to shut the company down.

The senior lenders bid about $139 million for the company, including $105 million cash plus real estate.

The company has been mired in bankruptcy since February 2009.

Calls to company and union officials were not immediately returned Thursday.