Graphic Audio United-CWA Workers Condemn RBmedia Layoffs Targeting Union Members

Rockville, Md. — CWA-represented workers at Graphic Audio, a division of audiobook publisher RBmedia, are speaking out after the company announced that it would be laying off roughly half of its workforce.

Last month, Graphic Audio informed workers that it would eliminate approximately 22 positions in the bargaining unit as part of what the company described as a “fundamental change in Graphic Audio’s production model.” The layoffs include many of the workers responsible for producing the company’s signature dramatized audiobooks, which feature full voice casts, cinematic music, and sound design. Union leaders say the company gave the union only 24 hours’ notice before publicly announcing the layoffs.

Graphic Audio workers formed a union with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 2108 in August after a successful union election vote with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The bargaining unit represents approximately 46 workers, including creative directors, sound designers, voice talent recruiters, and other production staff responsible for the company’s immersive full-cast audiobook productions.

“My sole collaborator on the post-production of my most recent project was laid off with no notice,” said Graphic Audio United-CWA Local 2108 member and creative director Ken Jackson. “When you abruptly cut experienced workers in the middle of active projects, it does not just hurt our workflow, but it also risks the quality and consistency of the product our audience expects. That’s exactly why we formed a union, and we intend to use it to hold management accountable and fight for the workers who make these productions possible.”

“Joining the company in 2024 pulled me out of a difficult moment when I was considering leaving the industry. That is why this decision is so disappointing,” said Graphic Audio United-CWA Local 2108 member and creative director Donald Guzzi. “Workers here care deeply about the craft and the success of this company, and instead of cutting corners and eliminating half the team, management should be working with us to strengthen the workplace.”

“Slashing jobs on this scale without meaningful notice prevents the kind of good-faith bargaining that workers are legally entitled to,” said Johnny Brown, President of CWA Local 2108. “Workers are more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. We have requested information about this decision, and we are prepared to bargain over severance, recall rights, and other protections for the workers impacted.”

CWA Local 2108 and the Graphic Audio bargaining committee say they will continue negotiations with RBmedia in the coming weeks and are committed to defending workers’ rights and the future of the creative workforce behind Graphic Audio’s productions.

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The Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA) is a network of worker-organizers and their staff working every single day to build the voice and power necessary to ensure the future of the tech, game, and digital industries in the United States and Canada. CODE-CWA is a project of the Communications Workers of America, which represents hundreds of thousands of workers throughout tech, media, telecom, and other industries who stand together to fight for justice on the job and in our communities.

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