FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: cvjcguild@gmail.com
MERCED, Calif. — Journalists of the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative (CVJC) have announced their decision to unionize as the CVJC Guild and are seeking voluntary recognition from CVJC leadership as a unit of the Pacific Media Workers Guild Local 39521, TNG-CWA.
The move reflects a growing national labor movement in journalism and comes as the staff advocates for a workplace that supports inclusion, transparency, and sustainability in local news.
“The journalists of CVJC are unionizing to fight for a healthy, inclusive, and equitable work environment that empowers journalists to deliver news that reflects what our community expects and demands from us,” the Guild says in its mission statement. “As members of the communities we cover, we are forming this union to ensure our journalism serves our neighbors.”
All eligible CVJC staff members have signed on in support of the Guild’s formation. The organizing committee has requested that CVJC leadership voluntarily recognize the union to begin the process of collaboratively building a contract.
The CVJC Guild’s goals are inclusion in decision-making and a seat at the table, transparency for current and future staff, a sustainable local news ecosystem that elevates standards for regional journalism, and equal opportunities for all.
“We believe that when workers are more included in the process, they feel more invested in the organization’s success,” the statement continues.
“By working together, we can make CVJC the premier journalism workplace in the region.”
The CVJC Guild is requesting a formal response from CVJC leadership to voluntarily recognize the guild.
Contact cvjcguild@gmail.com for any inquiries. Supporters can follow the CVJC Guild on social media and sign their petition.
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