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Journalists of L.A. Times Win A Decisive Victory for Pay Equity

The journalists of the Los Angeles Times have won a victory for pay equity: Owners of the Times and Tribune Publishing agreed to pay $3 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that women and journalists of color were paid less than their white male counterparts. The settlement was announced last week.

The L.A. Times reported that as a result of the agreement, nearly 240 current and former employees are eligible to receive a portion of the award.

Although the L.A. Times Guild did not have "standing" in the suit, the journalists released a report in April 2018, showing that on average women of color at the Times made less than 70 cents for every dollar earned by a white man.

L.A. Times workers fought for and won a first contract in October 2019, mandating the company to interview at least two candidates who are women or workers from traditionally underrepresented groups. They also set pay minimums for all newsroom positions and limited the company's ability to subcontract out work.

"This is a huge win for every worker," said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss, a former L.A. Times data and graphics reporter. "Every union has the obligation to fight against pay inequities and workers have the tools to do it."


Los Angeles Times Guild members celebrate the holidays, December 2018.