Category: Sexual Harassment

In September 2020, credible allegations of misconduct were shared with the International NewsGuild leadership about the former president of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh. Those allegations were shared with the local leadership and the president resigned his position and retired from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. An investigation was completed by the Communications Workers of America and NewsGuild and a report was released in December 2020.

In response to member requests, a consultant was hired in March 2021 to conduct a review and listening tour with current and former members at the Post-Gazette. The final report from the listening tour assesses and evaluates the culture of the local.

The report details both suggestions for moving forward and recounts the experiences of past and current members.

We hope Guild members take the time to read the report and reflect on what you would like to see moving forward. It is not an easy read — some of the experiences are difficult to hear about, as we are sure they were difficult to recount for those involved — but it is optimistic. 

Our members are committed to improving this union and it is clear through the recommendations outlined that change is possible.

As the president of our union, I’m responsible for improving our culture and eliminating barriers that make it difficult for survivors of harassment to come forward. I do not equivocate when I say as a member-led democratic union we have zero tolerance for harassment in any form and that must be woven into the fabric of all that we do.

But it’s clear that — even with a steadfast commitment to create and maintain a safe workplace — our policies and our own culture must improve.