Annual per capita adjustment takes effect in May

The NewsGuild-CWA Constitution mandates an annual adjustment of per capita dues locals pay to the national union, based on a formula in Article XVIII, Section 6. Beginning May 2021, the monthly per capita rate will be $23.50, an increase of 12 cents over the 2020 rate.  

The annual rate is set at 1.997% of the average top reporter minimum pay in all NewsGuild contracts covering news media jobs in effect on Jan. 1. This year, the average reporter top minimum pay was $1,176.44.  (The Constitution stipulates that a corresponding journalism job title may be used in media contracts that lack a reporter job title. The 2021 calculation was based on 108 contracts.)

The NewsGuild Constitution also provides for adjustment to the per capita structure for members who pay monthly dues or fees that are less than the full rate. The per capita for those members is $9.40, an increase of 5 cents over the 2020 rate.

The increase is applicable to May dues, for payments Guild locals will remit to The NewsGuild-CWA on behalf of their members on or before June 15, 2021. 

Please contact Executive Vice President Marian Needham if you have any questions.