'That's the Chicago Way': Trib Subscriber Sues Over Unheralded Rate Hike

Image via WikipediaChicago Tribune subscriber Cheryl Naedler has sued the daily in Cook County Circuit Court for breach of contract and violation of Illinois's Consumer Protection Act [815 ILCS 505] after the paper allegedly charged her credit card more than double her previous subscription rate without notice of the price hike.

Crain's Chicago Business reports that Naedler is seeking class action status for the suit, assuming other readers were also blindsided by the price boost. Her complaint alleges that her credit card was charged $97.50 per quarter without her knowledge or approval of the higher price. Naedler filed suit after not getting satisfaction from her complaint call to the Philippines-based call center that handles such matters for the Tribune.

Purportedly, some, but not all, Tribune subscribers received a letter that specified the new home delivery rate but did not acknowledge the increase it represented.