From standing ovations to spirited floor debates, the 2025 NewsGuild-CWA Sector Conference brought together 84 delegates from 24 locals to chart the path ahead for our union.
The day opened with Sector Chair Diane Mastrull saluting the Pittsburgh strikers who were still holding the line after 1,026 days. Mastrull was followed by remarks from Pittsburgh Local President Zack Tanner and CWA District 2-13 Vice President Mike Davis. The room was on its feet early, and the energy never let up.
Organizing staffer Stephanie Basile delivered the Organizing Report, setting the stage for a powerful video that showcased Guild members from across North America fighting for their communities and better workplaces. From the New York Times Tech Guild’s historic strike and Washington Post pickets, to PEN Guild’s AI arbitration fight with POLITICO, the Chicago Tribune’s battle against vulture fund Alden Global Capital, and the UFCW staff union’s lunch picket — the video captured the breadth of our movement. It also highlighted Canada’s TVO strike and successful push to save public media, and our growing press freedom campaign underscoring the threats journalists face from the current administration, including being targeted by police for doing their jobs.
In his address, NewsGuild President Jon Schleuss celebrated two years of record growth and organizing, crediting members for leading strikes, settling first contracts and passing historic legislation to support journalism jobs. He pointed to the resilience of the Pittsburgh strikers in the longest-running strike in America and the breakthrough victory of Dallas Morning News journalists, who unionized the very paper that coined “right to work” and built 95% dues participation in a right-to-work state. Looking ahead, Schleuss warned of escalating attacks from employers and the Trump administration but called on members to “stand up, fight back” and reminded delegates that “We have more power than we know!”
Schleuss also honored our Canadian siblings by presenting CWA/SCA Canada President Carmel Smyth, and Canadian Media Guild leaders Annick Forest and Kat McMorrow with a signed and framed copy of the Guild’s first collective agreement with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 1953. The document was signed by Chuck Dale, a former TNG-CWA President who was born in Nova Scotia. We also heard from CWA President Claude Cummings Jr., Secretary-Treasurer Ameenah Salaam and CWA leaders.
Danielle Newsome delivered a collective bargaining report, outlining recent contract wins and ongoing fights across the Guild. The NewsGuild has about 520 distinct bargaining units in almost 60 locals, with new units continuing to win elections and voluntary recognition at a steady clip. Since the last Sector Conference, members have settled 222 contracts and 71 of those were first contracts. Guild members have struck 41 times since the last Sector Conference in 2023, winning strong contracts after their work stoppages. Artificial intelligence has become a major issue in Guild workplaces and now 40 contracts handle AI in some way. The best provisions protect jobs, wages and jurisdiction of work.
Executive Vice President Marian Needham updated delegates on the Guild’s membership and resources. She noted that dues-paying membership is up by nearly 4,000 over the past 4 years. She overviewed many of the projects powered by the Guild Mobilization and Defense Fund, Strategic Industry Fund and Growth Fund that have fueled the Guild’s record organizing.
She also reported that the Guild’s office will relocate before the end of the year, as a result of a new tenant in the CWA headquarters taking up most of the building. Needham closed her report with an emotional announcement that she will not seek re-election after this term is over in 2027. The room rose to its feet for a lengthy standing ovation, honoring her years of tireless work for Guild members.
Delegates elected the Sector Election and Referendum Committee and alternates by acclamation before moving into a series of resolutions and amendments that sparked passionate discussion:
- CWA Unbreakable Resolution – Endorsed by the Executive Committee, the resolution passed by voice vote. The resolution maintains a strong Members’ Relief Fund while better meeting striking members’ financial needs. It also ensures a more consistent flow of resources to the Strategic Industry Fund and Growth Fund programs which allow us to grow and strengthen our union to be prepared for all the challenges that we will face in the future.
- North American Solidarity – Members reaffirmed the need to strengthen U.S.–Canada ties in the face of rising authoritarianism, passing the resolution unanimously by voice vote.
- Ottawa Constitutional Amendments – A proposal to remove Canadian participation in the Guild Mobilization and Defense Fund was defeated and a second proposal to claw back contributions was withdrawn.
- Creating Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Workplaces and Unions – The conference adopted a resolution committing the Guild to building diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces and union leadership.
- National Single Payer Campaign – Delegates endorsed the policy for a national single payer and Medicare for all campaign as a way to remove employer leverage over healthcare and strengthen bargaining power for other issues.
The conference also honored members who have passed since the last gathering with an In Memoriam led by Kathy McCabe. Pittsburgh striker Natalie Duleba updated delegates from the picket line, with Zack Tanner and the Pittsburgh Newspaper Guild recognizing the Times Tech Guild for donating $114,000 from their strike fund to the Pittsburgh Striker Fund to help cover expenses like rent and groceries. A 50/50 raffle raised more than $1,000 — all of it going to the strikers when the winning ticket holder gave their share back.
The day closed with a report from Mark Pattison on behalf of the Retired Members Council and final remarks from Schleuss, reminding us of the power we have when we stand together.
After the Sector Conference concluded, many delegates remained in Pittsburgh for the CWA Convention August 11-12.
After the CWA Convention adjourned, delegates put that solidarity into action — marching to the home of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s owners and surrounding the property in a show of solidarity with the striking workers. Union members from across North America stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the PG strikers, making it clear that our unions’ members will do whatever it takes to hold power to account, especially when it’s the boss.
We have more power than we know. Let’s use it!
