After more than two years of organizing, bargaining, and weathering multiple rounds of layoffs, the workers of Daily Kos have officially ratified their first collective bargaining agreement with the Pacific Media Workers Guild, Local 39521 of The NewsGuild-CWA.
The victory follows negotiations that began in late 2022 and were interrupted by waves of cuts in 2023 and 2024. Despite those challenges, workers held firm—filing unfair labor practice charges, confronting unjust terminations, and continuing to organize—until they won a strong first contract that raises industry standards and protects their newsroom for the long haul.
This first agreement includes:
- Just Cause with no exceptions, ending the era of at-will employment and ensuring fair treatment and accountability in discipline or termination.
- Guaranteed remote work for all bargaining unit employees, with the freedom to work from anywhere in the U.S.
- Protection against AI displacement, preventing management from replacing union jobs with generative AI tools.
- Transparent salary minimums and meaningful raises, including a minimum 2.5% annual raise in 2026 and 2027, and robust salary ranges for every role—from staff reporters to engineers.
- Six weeks of paid vacation, comprehensive sick leave, and paid parental leave at full salary.
- A formal Equity Council with paid release time and decision-making power over diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- Clear grievance and arbitration processes, along with a commitment to progressive discipline.
“It’s been this thing that’s been looming over all of our heads and having it squared away is going to be such a relief,” said Jaclyn Casto, a Daily Kos Guild member since 2022. “We’re proud to finally have a seat at the table.”
This contract sets a new bar for digital media and political journalism shops, proving that organizing works—even through crises.
Members ratified the contract this month, and the agreement will remain in effect through 2028.