News Workers Tell AP: Quality Journalism Requires Fair Treatment

More than 500 journalists and other workers at Associated Press have called on the company to reverse course in contract talks and drop its bargaining proposals that threaten quality journalism. 

The news workers, members of TNG-CWA Local 31222, are signing on to a petition that condemns AP's efforts to "erase decades-long job security protections, increase employee health care costs and delete long-standing benefits for new mothers." These provisions are part of an overall package from AP management that also calls for a wage freeze, high prescription drug payments and the elimination of overtime pay for hundreds of employees, the local said. 

The current contract expires Nov. 30. The News Media Guild represents more than 1,400 reporters, editors, photographers, videographers, communications and support staff. 

AP admits it is well-positioned for the future, said Tony Winton, NMG president. "We believe AP's proposals are overreaching and would in fact undermine the AP's greatest strength – the men and women who cover the news."

The petition is available at www.newsmediaguild.org.