Guild's AP Journalists Withhold Bylines in Protest Over Benefit Cuts

Hundreds of TNG-CWA journalists at The Associated Press are taking part in a national "byline boycott" this week, removing their names from stories and photos to protest the news service’s attempt to slash pension and medical benefits.

Members of the News Media Guild, TNG-CWA Local 31222, also are showing their unity by wearing red shirts and signing a petition asking AP management to reconsider plans to freeze pensions and raise employees' share of medical costs by more than 40 percent.

AP is demanding the rollbacks despite many financial concessions from workers in recent years. "Guild members have increased productivity, embraced new skills, and have made many financial sacrifices," NMG President Tony Winton said. "AP has to do better if it wants to preserve and protect quality journalism."

The Guild represents about 1,200 AP reporters, writers, editors, photographers, broadcast staff, technology employees and business office employees in United States. Their current two-year contract expired Nov. 30.