Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Strike Ends and Union Resilience Shines

On today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Jon Schleuss, President of the NewsGuild-CWA, discussed the resolution of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette strike and highlighted the enduring power of worker unity and the challenges faced by journalists nationwide.

The conversation began with a detailed account of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette strike, the longest ongoing strike in the United States. Schleuss walked listeners through the five-and-a-half-year legal struggle with the newspaper’s ownership, the Block brothers, who imposed unilateral contract terms and slashed critical benefits, including healthcare. Through persistent legal action and community support, the union ultimately secured a victory at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The company is now compelled to make the striking workers whole again, including restitution for lost wages, benefits and out-of-pocket healthcare expenses accrued during the dispute.

Next, Schleuss shared updates on ongoing labor challenges at Conde Nast, specifically the abrupt closure of Teen Vogue and the firing of union leaders who participated in a protected workplace action. He described a significant rally in response, which drew support from New York State Attorney General Letitia James and reaffirmed the strength of collective action. Schleuss said the event’s significance was underscored by stories of journalists who were inspired by Teen Vogue’s own labor reporting, illustrating how media coverage can mobilize workers and reinforce the importance of union protections within the industry.

Finally, Schleuss highlighted victories and ongoing battles in other newsrooms. He celebrated the Science News Media Guild’s recent strike in pursuit of a fair contract and the New York Daily News staff’s successful ratification of a new agreement after years of ownership under hedge fund Alden Global Capital. He emphasized how solidarity from fellow unions, financial support and refusal to cross picket lines kept workers afloat and strengthened their resolve.

For more from Schleuss, listen to the whole conversation on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.