Courier Voluntarily Recognizes Newsroom Staff's Unionization With WGA East
Courier has agreed to voluntarily recognize its newsroom staff's union, the Writers Guild of America East announced Tuesday.
The 50-member bargaining unit — which includes reporters, editors, designers, and social media managers — will not be represented by the WGAE as the group moves to negotiate its first contract with its employer.
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'We are pleased that COURIER has opted to voluntarily recognize our union at this crucial time when media workers everywhere are fighting for stronger protections against layoffs and better pay. We look forward to negotiating a strong contract that empowers every worker at Courier as we navigate the ongoing transformation of our industry,' the organizing committee said in a statement.
The union didn't provide details on when it will begin talks on its first collective bargaining agreement. Timelines vary, so it could take many months before the union is able to ratify a contract.
'Courier strongly believes in the rights of workers to organize and will uphold our commitment to supporting unionization. We know that this effort will enable our journalists, creators, and staff to continue to produce exceptional values-driven, impactful journalism that is accessible to all,' the company's CEO and founder Tara McGowan said in a statement of her own.
Added Sara David, WGAE Vice President of Online Media: 'I'm so happy to welcome the Courier staff to the Writers Guild of America East. We appreciate that management at Courier upheld its progressive values by working quickly to recognize the union. Every newsroom benefits from a strong union contract.'
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