Chicago News Guild | The NewsGuild

Daily Herald journalists announce formation of the Daily Herald News Guild

Contact: dhnewsguild@gmail.com

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL. In 2007, the Daily Herald conducted layoffs for the first time in its then-135-year history.

Over the last 10 years, employees of the suburban newspaper saw their wages reduced by at least 15% and their work week reduced to 36.5 hours. During that same approximate period, employees experienced eight rounds of buyouts and/or combination buyouts and layoffs, culminating Aug. 10, with the dismissal of 12 Daily Herald employees.

In response, an overwhelming majority of the editorial staff – whose combined experience totals more than 500 years – announced the establishment of the Daily Herald News Guild to secure competitive wages and pay equity, transparency, a strong voice in the future of their newsroom and the ability to continue reporting on the suburban communities the paper has served for more than 150 years.

TRiiBE workers form a union for people-centered newsroom that serves Chicago’s Black communities

Contact: Corli Jay, ‪(708) 576-1265‬ | OneTriibeUnited@gmail.com

CHICAGO — The multi-award-winning newsroom staff at The TRiiBE is forming a union and seeking to become a part of the Chicago News Guild, TNG-CWA Local 34071, aligning with the nationwide labor movement to build a more sustainable, equitable and people-centered newsroom that serves Chicago’s Black communities.

Warehouse Workers for Justice staffers ratify first contract

Unionized nonprofit staff at Warehouse Workers for Justice have ratified a first contract, securing a 6% raise upon ratification.

City Bureau workers announce union drive with unanimous support

Contact: Email cbworkersguild@gmail.com or call 773-357-7096

CHICAGO — Workers at the nonprofit journalism lab City Bureau are forming a union and seeking to become a part of the Chicago News Guild, TNG-CWA Local 34071, joining the nationwide labor movement for a stronger media system.

Newsletter: Washington Post CEO demands return to office—but he wasn’t there

This Thursday is Thanksgiving for our American members. I hope almost all of y’all have the day off and can enjoy spending it with friends and family and hold onto the people you’re thankful for.

I think about how I was helped into this union by folks I never knew existed. And I see thousands of our members every week stand up for someone else and help someone else they don’t know. And that’s true power.

I am thankful to be part of a massive family 27,000 large in the Guild alone. But 400,000 strong in the Communications Workers of America.

This week I’ll be especially thinking about how thousands of you have stood with our striking family in Pittsburgh at the Post-Gazette. Please join me in continuing to stand with them and donate directly to their holiday fund to help them this season.

Reports, resolutions from NewsGuild sector conference now posted

Feb. 1, 2019 – Reports and resolutions that were presented and adopted at The NewsGuild’s Sector Conference, Jan. 25-27, are now available. Continue reading “Reports, resolutions from NewsGuild sector conference now posted”

Staff at the Chicago Reader Ratifies Contract with New Owners

Oct. 10, 2017 – Employees of the Chicago Reader unanimously ratified a one-year contract on Oct. 6, resolving a lengthy labor dispute that led to a strike threat at the alternative publication. The members of the Chicago News Guild reached the deal with a labor-friendly investor group that acquired the Reader in July. Continue reading “Staff at the Chicago Reader Ratifies Contract with New Owners”

Chicago Sun-Times Purchase: A Model for a Struggling Industry?

September 2017 – A long shot paid off for the Chicago News Guild when an investment group led by former Alderman Edwin Eisendrath and the Chicago Federation of Labor bought the Chicago Sun-Times and the Reader in July. Continue reading “Chicago Sun-Times Purchase: A Model for a Struggling Industry?”

Sun-Times Purchase Could Be a Model for the Struggling Industry

Workers are ‘Flying High’

The regularly-scheduled meeting of the Chicago NewsGuild, held in President Grace Catania’s backyard, turned into an impromptu celebration when members learned the deal was closed.

“We’re flying high here,” said David Roeder, just days after the Chicago Sun-Times and the Reader were sold to an investment group led by former Alderman Edwin Eisendrath and the Chicago Federation of Labor. Roeder has been member of the Chicago News Guild for more than two decades and now serves as a consultant to the union.

The sale to Eisendrath and the labor federation was a long shot. Continue reading “Sun-Times Purchase Could Be a Model for the Struggling Industry”

Chicago NewsGuild: Say ‘No’ to Newspaper Monopoly

May 30, 2017 – The people of Chicago are in danger of losing the Chicago Sun-Times, one of the city’s two major daily newspapers, members of the Chicago News Guild report.

The danger is the result of a proposed a sale to the parent company of the Sun-Times’ only real competitor, the Chicago Tribune. The impending sale also will affect The Reader, a free alternative weekly known for its in-depth coverage of Chicago politics and culture. Continue reading “Chicago NewsGuild: Say ‘No’ to Newspaper Monopoly”