NewsGuild-CWA Journalists at High-Profile News Outlets Walk Off the Job to Protest Layoffs

Over 300 NewsGuild-CWA Local 39213 members at the L.A. Times staged a one-day walkout last week in opposition to a third round of layoffs proposed by management who, according to L.A. Times Guild Unit Counsel Brian Contreras, have provided no numbers as to how many positions may be cut. Contreras stated, “If management thinks our financial situation is untenable, they need to come to the bargaining table in good faith and work out a buyout plan with us that would first articulate a clear headcount or cost saving they’re aiming for, and then seek to hit that number with as many buyouts—and as few layoffs—as possible.” This walkout constitutes the first newsroom work stoppage in L.A. Times history since it started printing in 1881.

Union leaders are pushing for three demands: a public headcount or salary reduction figure to ascertain how many jobs are in jeopardy, a town hall with newsroom leadership, and a committee that would include NewsGuild-CWA representatives for the selection of a new executive editor.

In a similar story, workers at Condé Nast, members of the NewsGuild of New York (TNG-CWA Local 31003), with publishing brands such as Vogue, GQ, and Vanity Fair, walked off the job earlier this week after Condé Nast announced layoffs of roughly 300 positions.

The NewsGuild-CWA cited management's "unlawful bargaining tactics during layoff negotiations.” The union has been in bargaining since 2022. In November 2023, the NewsGuild-CWA filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) complaint against Condé Nast, claiming the company violated labor law when it responded to a severance offer with a proposal of only half of the initially offered payout.

 
Members of the NewsGuild-CWA participated in an historic walkout at the L.A. Times. (Photo Courtesy of Jay L. Clendenin)