April 6, 2018 – After nine months of negotiations, 11 Guild members at People’s World voted unanimously to ratify the first union contract in the publication’s 94-year history. They are members of Chicago NewsGuild-CWA, Local 34071.
The contract took effect on March 24 and will expire on March 31, 2021. The staff won voluntary recognition of the union in February 2017.
The contract with publishers of the socialist paper includes a raise of approximately 20 percent, plus two cost-of-living increases each year of the contract, 13 paid holidays (including May Day), and increases in travel and telephone reimbursement costs.
Michelle Zacarias, a reporter and member of the negotiating committee, said she was most proud of the fact that the staff will be “getting what they need to sustain a healthy lifestyle.”
D.C. Bureau Chief Mark Gruenberg told the paper, “This contract signals a joint commitment by the staff and management to continue producing the quality advocacy journalism that People’s World – and its predecessor, the Daily Worker – have always been known for.
“It’s great to see both sides live up to the publication’s principles, and truly serving the people: our readers.”
Members of the bargaining unit plan to maintain their Facebook page to promote their articles and keep the public informed about union affairs.