Update: On March 2, 2022, The Charlotte Observer News Guild tweeted, “We’re thrilled to announce that @theobserver has voluntarily recognized our union. The Charlotte Observer News Guild is ready to work for the needs of our journalists, and we’re excited to move forward together with management.”
Journalists at The Charlotte Observer announced Friday that they’re forming a union to protect the future of local journalism in the Queen City.
The Charlotte Observer News Guild is asking McClatchy, which owns the Observer, to voluntarily recognize their union so they can begin bargaining for a contract that will ensure a diverse, strong, committed newsroom.
An overwhelming majority of eligible staff have signed cards declaring their desire to become a unit of the Washington-Baltimore News Guild Local 32035.
“For 136 years, journalists at The Charlotte Observer have worked to keep their neighbors informed and hold leaders accountable,” the journalists said. “To continue doing so, they need job security, equitable pay and concrete steps to continue building a diverse newsroom.”
The group will fight for the newsroom staff of about 35 reporters, photographers and digital journalists to continue their work telling the stories of North Carolinians.
Devna Bose, who covers marginalized communities, said, “Since I joined the staff of The Charlotte Observer nearly two years ago, there’s been positive change — especially in recent months — to diversify our newsroom and coverage. We want to continue that work, and the best way to do that is through a strong newsroom where journalists of all backgrounds are paid equitably and are able to sustain long careers in an industry that’s historically catered to white voices. We’re excited to go on the record cementing this as a priority for our newsroom and our community.”
Lauren Lindstrom, who covers housing, said, “I have seen the benefits of belonging to a union in my previous newsroom. I believe it is essential for the hardworking journalists who create and share vital reporting, commentary and visuals every day to have a seat at the table and ensure a strong future for the paper, Charlotte and its residents.”
Senior audience growth and engagement producer Kristen Kornbluth said, “As a native of Charlotte, I’m thrilled to be a part of the Charlotte Observer News Guild. I grew up with this paper, and I hope to see it outlast me by many generations. This collective effort is a huge step toward ensuring a rich future for the journalism of the Observer.”
Follow them on Twitter @ObserverGuild or visit their website, CharlotteObserverNewsGuild.com.