Members of the Washington State NewsGuild voted 27-0 to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement with McClatchy last week. The agreement covers journalists at four publications: the Bellingham Herald, Tri-City Herald, Tacoma News Tribune and Olympian. They are members of the Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild.
In addition to significant raises for many of the journalists, the contract also secures strong protections against outsourcing; guarantees the safety of members reporting from dangerous situations, and more. It follows about a year of bargaining.
“We are thrilled with this first step. The work is not over, but this is a great day for journalism in the Pacific Northwest,” the group tweeted. “Thanks to all of you for your support over the last year, and particularly to our trailblazing colleagues in other unionized McClatchy newsrooms across the nation. Together, we are securing a brighter future for our industry.”