Organizing Update

VTDigger

Staff of the largest newsroom in Vermont, VTDigger, achieved recognition for their union this week, with nearly 90% support to form the VTDigger Guild.

"It has never been more important for rank-and-file newsroom employees to have a voice in the workplace," said education reporter Lola Duffort. "These are extraordinarily difficult times, and we want to partner with VTDigger's board and management as we navigate our way out of this crisis."

Eighteen full and part-time reporters, photographers, interns, and columnists are a part of the only Vermont-based newsroom with union representation.

Staff of the largest newsroom in Vermont, VTDigger, achieved recognition for their union this week, with nearly 90% support to form the VTDigger Guild.

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Idaho Statesman

Journalists at the Idaho Statesman spoke with a unanimous voice, voting 18-0 to to form a union. The election caps a two-month process to formalize the newsroom’s union. Workers went public with unanimous support on March 2nd.

McClatchy, the Statesman's parent company, refused to voluntarily recognize the union, creating the drawn-out process that saw two delays because of the coronavirus pandemic. The vote was conducted via a mail ballot at the Denver NLRB regional office.

"We are fighting to preserve local news in Idaho," union member Kate Talerico said. "We look forward to working with management toward a fair contract that ensures a strong future for the Statesman's essential journalism."

Journalists at the Idaho Statesman spoke with a unanimous voice, voting 18-0 to to form a union.