NewsGuild of New York Members Ratify Agreement with The Forward

For Immediate Release | June 15, 2018
Media Inquiries | Josh Austin, josh@nyguild.org

New York, New York — On Wednesday, Guild members working at The Forward, the national magazine and online publication that covers news relevant to American Jews, ratified a three-year agreement between the company and the NewsGuild of New York, the local union that represents nearly 3,000 media and research professionals working in the New York City metro area.

Upon ratifying this contract, members at The Forward, which traditionally had separate bargaining units for editorial and business operations, will unify under a singular agreement. Though management had originally proposed a zero percent wage increase, members were able to achieve guaranteed pay increases ranging from 2 to 4% in each year of the contract.

“The contract that our members at The Forward achieved is the product of a strong unit fighting for not only a voice in their newsroom, but for equitable recognition of their hard work and shared success of the magazine,” said Grant Glickson, President of the NewsGuild of New York. “I’m proud of how hard our members fought at the table, and I’m thrilled that they negotiated a fair, well-deserved contract.”

In addition to improved wages, the committee secured a more equitable benefits package, including a new health insurance plan at a lower cost to members. For the first time members garnered an agreement on short-term disability leave as well as improved parental leave, getting, among other parental provisions, four additional paid weeks of maternity leave.  Additionally, a firm policy of protections for libel and legal assistance is included, as well as limits on the use of fellows and interns and the creation of a Labor Management committee

“The Forward Bargaining Committee is proud to have fought for and won a contract that ensures more equitable treatment and wages on behalf of our colleagues,” said the Bargaining Committee. “We believe in the work that we do here at The Forward and we’re excited to have a contract that not only joins all of us collectively, but also now reflects our value to the company.”

The Guild’s local representatives Anthony Napoli and Kari Bienias served as lead negotiators alongside The Forward’s bargaining committee.

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About the NewsGuild of New York
The NewsGuild, Local 31003 of the Communications Workers of America is a labor union representing nearly 3,000 media professionals and other employees at New York area news organizations, including The New York Times, Thomson Reuters, The Nation, The New Republic and The Daily Beast.