Jon Schleuss, President of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to review some of their successful labor negotiations in 2024, challenging traditional approaches and inspiring new strategies for worker advocacy.
This year has featured some significant contracts for media workers with The NewsGuild, including the recent contract for the New York Times Tech Guild. With this three-year contract for the Times Tech Guild, Schleuss discussed the need for new strategies to earn unprecedented job security and wage improvements for tech workers.
Schleuss highlighted some of the strategies used by the New York Times Tech Guild, like their strike during election week. He said this move, involving 680 tech workers, demonstrated the power of collective action. Schleuss emphasized the importance of solidarity, noting the $250,000 donated to the tech strike fund, which will now support the striking workers at Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Schleuss also addressed the lengthy negotiations faced by the Chicago Tribune journalists, who secured their first contract after six years. He said this persistence exemplifies the "termite" approach, which he described as remaining steadfast and unyielding until goals are achieved. For those navigating similar challenges, Schleuss advised leveraging strategic timing in negotiations and building solidarity across unions.
Listen to the full episode to hear more from Schleuss on the need for solidarity and innovative strategies to create better lives for workers in America.