Contact: Max Parrott
schnepsmediaunion@gmail.com
NEW YORK – Schneps employees are forming a union! An overwhelming majority of the eligible staff of the Schneps Media Network of hyperlocal news outlets spanning New York City and Long Island announced (June 15, 2026) the creation of a union to secure competitive wages, sustainable working conditions and strengthen the news organization’s mission of providing objective local journalism in the public interest.
With a team of about 30 staffers across the editorial department, Schneps has taken on an increasingly critical role in the New York City and Long Island media landscape as part of its community-focused coverage of the greater New York area. The publisher’s New York City footprint extends through five boroughs including amNY, amNY Law, Brooklyn Paper, The Bronx Times, Brownstoner, QNS, Noticias, New York Family, Staten Island Parent and Caribbean Life. On Long Island, its outlets include the Long Island Press and Dan’s Papers.
The Schneps Media Union has joined with the Independent Association of Publishers’ Employees (IAPE), Local 1096 of The NewsGuild-CWA. Guild locals represent nearly 6,000 media workers in the greater New York area.
The Schneps Media Union has asked Josh and Victoria Schneps, CEO/Publisher of Schneps Media, to voluntarily recognize the union so both parties can quickly begin negotiating in good faith toward improved working conditions. The request follows a decision by 81% of eligible staffers to sign a mission statement and 85% union authorization cards, clearly demonstrating their desire for representation.
“I want Schneps Media reporters to have a union so that this is a place where employees are valued and celebrated. This not only means better pay, benefits and work environments, but also a greater emphasis on journalistic integrity. Delivering valuable news to our readers is something that is often the only thing keeping us going, and we want a contract that ensures it will not be undercut by external factors,” said Cameryn Oakes, deputy managing editor for the Nassau News division of the Long Island Press.
“Schneps Media reporters can do a lot with a little, but we shouldn’t have to. A union contract will improve our working and living conditions, making it easier to do work that matters. With better pay, benefits, resources and editorial standards, we’ll be better equipped to do what we love, providing hyperlocal news to the communities that rely on us. A rising tide lifts all ships,” said Kirstyn Brendlen, digital editor at Brooklyn Paper.
“Schneps Media offers a rare opportunity to shine a spotlight on hyperlocal issues impacting communities across New York, but we often lack the resources we need and are stretched too thin. Forming a union will help ensure that we are supported in our roles, earn a living wage and have a say in editorial standards at Schneps. I’m proud to be part of this effort, which will lead to better work conditions and even better coverage of the issues facing New Yorkers every day,” said Shane O’Brien, reporter with QNS.
“I’m proud to be part of launching Schneps Media’s first-ever union effort. Most of us are passionate about covering NYC communities and really love our jobs. We want to ensure our workplace pays living wages, attracts a diverse talent pool, enforces fair workplace standards and models journalistic integrity. As local journalism faces many threats, established companies like Schneps should step up to ensure their workers are supported,” said Emily Swanson, reporter for the Bronx Times.
“IAPE TNG-CWA Local 1096 is excited to welcome Schneps Media to the IAPE family. We look forward to working together to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair treatment of the workers at Schneps Media,” says IAPE Union President, Jodi Green.
The Schneps Media Union seeks to create an avenue for its reporters and designers—many of whom are early-career journalists—to advocate for improved working conditions and boost the strength of their community reporting. In the last year alone, 16 people across the news teams have left the company, both voluntarily and involuntarily, highlighting the lack of workplace protections for staff.
As an IAPE bargaining unit, The Schneps Media Union will advocate for a competitive pay scale and benefits, responsible staffing practices, transparent processes for raises and promotions, formalized job responsibilities and essential benefits to ensure the long-term success of Schneps staff.
Join Schneps workers’ demand for voluntary recognition of their union.