Nov. 13, 2017 – Journalists of DNAinfo and Gothamist negotiated a “shutdown agreement” with management on Nov. 13, following the despicable decision by billionaire owner Joe Ricketts to close the publications one week after workers voted to unionize.
“The agreement we hammered out provides a significant amount of financial stability for our workers and their families, allows us to build on the stories we wrote for DNAinfo and Gothamist, and ensures that we will continue to speak truth to power without fear of reprisal from a non-disparagement clause,” the bargaining committee said. “We couldn’t have done all this without the help of the Writers Guild of America, East, and we hope that our experience underscores the importance for writers and journalists everywhere to unite and stand up for their rights.”
The NewsGuild was pleased to learn of the agreement. “Retaliating against employees who are seeking a voice at work is wrong and illegal,” said NewsGuild President Bernie Lunzer. “This agreement shows that even when confronted with the most outrageous actions by a billionaire boss, being in a union protects workers.”