Why a union, why now?

A union is a critical step toward making sure that the Statesman remains a place where journalists feel at home and empowered to tell stories that matter to Austin. We’ve lost dozens of reporters of the past 10 years, some to buyouts and layoffs, and others who have left because of unsatisfactory working conditions. We want to identify what we love about the newsroom so we can protect it — and we want to have a seat at the table to fight to change what’s not working.

The Austin NewsGuild is comprised of dozens of reporters, photographers, videographers and web specialists who will represent the needs of the non-managerial staff in the newsroom, but the group is also focused on finding ways to advocating on behalf of the newsroom outside of the bargaining meetings, as well as providing mutual aid for each other in ways both big and small.

We are hoping that Gannett follows the lead of other large media companies and voluntarily recognizes the unit over the next few weeks. That’s what happened last month when the editor of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram announced the voluntary recognition of their guild, which has similar strong support across the newsroom. The Dallas News Guild, Texas’ first guild, won its election earlier this year by a strong margin, and their guild is already entering the bargaining process. When we officially become the Austin NewsGuild, through a vote or voluntary recognition, we will be the third unionized newsroom in Texas.

For the latest developments and more information on how you can support the collective bargaining until, follow us on social media @austinnewsguild on Twitter and Instagram.