Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Workers receive good news with NLRB injunction

Jon Schleuss, President of The NewsGuild-Communications Workers of America (TNG-CWA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the National Labor Relations Board filing an injunction on behalf of striking Pittsburgh Post-Gazette workers. He also discussed an organizing campaign with in-house staff at 32BJ Service Employees International Union and a potential unfair labor practice (ULP) strike by Law360 Union.

Now on strike for 23 months, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette workers received a morale boost when the NLRB filed an injunction in district court against the newspaper's ownership group. The injunction asked a federal judge in Western Pennsylvania to rule on the legality of the actions taken by the employers of the Post-Gazette. Schleuss explained that if the judge rules in favor of the workers, the employers will be required to return to bargaining under threat of significant penalties. 

Schleuss talked about the judge in charge of the case and how they could impact the ruling. He then discussed the potential timeframe for a decision. The timeline usually takes longer than average with injunction cases, which are only filed about eight times per year. Schleuss said he expects a ruling in two to three months if things go quickly. However, no matter how long it takes the judge to rule, Schleuss said the workers are prepared to do what it takes to see this through. To contribute to the workers on strike, please visit www.unionprogress.com/donate.

Finally, Schleuss explained how a successful union election with the in-house staff at 1199 SEIU led the in-house staff at 32BJ SEIU to decide to seek representation through TNG as well. He explained why several unions' in-house staff tend to organize with TNG rather than the unions they work for. Then, Schleuss discussed contract issues with members at Law360 who have been dealing with ownership, which has committed several ULPs. Now, the members have put management on notice, as they will go on strike if their employer makes no significant progress to fix the damage caused by the ULPs.

Please listen to the show above for more from Schleuss and The NewsGuild.