President of The NewsGuild-Communication Workers of America, Jon Schleuss, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the increase in strikes from union newsrooms in America. Schleuss discussed what contributes to newsrooms' inability to negotiate new contracts and how this could permanently damage news coverage nationwide.
Contract negotiations have been challenging for journalists in early 2024, as there have already been 24 strikes. In 2023, there were 36 strikes at TNG-CWA Locals. Schleuss talked about the strike at the LA Times occurring on the sixth anniversary of the day they organized with the TNG-CWA. He also discussed several other newsrooms that joined the LA Times on strike as they continue to try to negotiate contracts for workplace improvements.
Schleuss discussed the factors that are leading to the Locals going on strike. He talked about how the Free Market system has led to newsrooms being the areas most impacted, as several owners are finding alternative, cheaper ways to produce their products. Schleuss also discussed how hedge fund investors have contributed to the classic newsroom's downfall. Several billionaire owners are utilizing business models that get as much profit from the newsrooms as possible no matter the cost for journalists, creating an environment where union journalists have no recourse but to go on strike, Schleuss said.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette strike is approaching 16 months. The workers are still asking for a livable wage and affordable health care, which Schleuss said should be a reasonable request. The paper’s owners continue to utilize scab workers to publish a newspaper, despite striking workers receiving local and national support. Schleuss talked about how the Pittsburgh strike is an example of the attacks on journalists in today’s society and what this could do to the future of newsrooms in America.
Listen to the show above to hear more from Schleuss on the status of newsrooms in America.