The news workers of the Skagit Valley Herald, Anacortes American, and Stanwood-Camano News, represented by the Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild, announced Friday that they went on strike.
After nine months of negotiating with owner Adams MultiMedia, the company has continued to insist it wants “no limitation on the use of Artificial Intelligence,” including the generation of news content, and has denied its journalists any protections from AI at these newspapers.
Management’s reckless refusal to put any safeguards on artificial intelligence within the contract threatens the future of the paper, its accuracy, readers’ trust, and its journalists’ careers.
Workers found this unacceptable.
They’re bargaining for 2% annual wage increases to keep up with rising costs of living and a minimum wage of $20 per hour so they can afford to live in the communities they cover.
Members approved the strike against Adams MultiMedia last week by unanimous vote.
They’re asking readers and subscribers to refrain from clicking on any articles from Skagit Valley Herald, Anacortes American, and Stanwood-Camano News during the length of the strike.
You can support the workers during their strike through our GoFundMe. Donations will help workers cover bills while they fight to keep news free of artificial intelligence.
To learn more about their fight and to stay updated, please follow their socials.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Skagit-News-Workers/61584607364327/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skagitnewsworkers/