May 26, 2020 – The journalists of The Bradenton Herald won union recognition on Tuesday, voting 6-2 to form the Bradenton Herald NewsGuild.
They are part of an ongoing wave of union organizing in Florida and among employees of the McClatchy chain, which has filed for bankruptcy.
“Today, the newsroom of the Bradenton Herald stood up, not just to demand better working conditions for ourselves but to preserve quality local journalism in Bradenton, and our voices were heard,” said veteran reporter Jessica De Leon. “I’m beyond grateful for the amazing team we have and all the support we’ve received from our community, colleagues and fellow journalists around the country.”
Following the vote count, organizers tweeted, “UNION for the win. Today we succeeded in having our voices heard. The National Labor Relations Board has counted our votes and we have won our election with 75% of the votes in support of forming our union.”
UNION for the win. Today we succeeded in having our voices heard. The National Labor Relations Board has counted our votes and we have won our election with 75% of the votes in support of forming our union.
— Bradenton Herald NewsGuild (@BHnewsguild) May 26, 2020
Follow them on Twitter @BHnewsguild.