Dec. 22, 2017 – Union members at The Daily Beast overwhelmingly ratified a new two-year agreement between the company and The NewsGuild of New York on Dec. 21.
Upon ratification, a newly negotiated tier system will ensure that members will receive a guaranteed general wage increase ranging from 1-3 percent in both years of the contract. As a result, minimum salaries for those in the bottom two tiers of the pay scale will substantially increase for Guild members.
“For many of our members at The Daily Beast these negotiations were the first time they sat at a bargaining table,” said NewsGuild of New York President Grant Glickson. “Not only am I proud of these members for holding their own during these negotiations, but the contract they’ve negotiated exemplifies the protections all digital journalists deserve.”
The Guild fought hard to maintain its “just cause” clause in the contract and codified a process where the company will now cover travel expenses upfront. Previously, staff would pay out-of-pocket for company-related expenses and often wait weeks for reimbursement.
The Guild was able to secure a more robust parental leave policy, providing union members who are primary caregivers up to 16 weeks of parental leave.
Guild journalists at The Daily Beast may now take up to one month for unpaid project leave. This policy allows for members to take time off for various projects — such as a documentary, book or pilot — that have been sold.
Members pushed for a stronger statement on inclusion in The Daily Beast’s equal employment policy. “Gender expression and identity” will now be included in all of the company’s employment opportunities.
Daily Beast Unit Chair Kate Briquelet said, “We’re proud to introduce a contract that protects all members, while also leading the way for workplaces to ban discrimination specifically based on gender identity and expression.”