Employees at the Columbus Dispatch and the Newark Advocate have voted to unionize, with results certified Thursday by the National Labor Relations Board. The vote tally was 33-5 in favor of forming the Dispatch News Guild.
Staffing and Context
The decision to unionize comes after years of staffing reductions at both newspapers. Following a merger between GateHouse Media and Gannett six years ago, the Dispatch has seen its non-management staff decrease from more than 90 employees in 2019 to less than 40 currently. The Newark Advocate, which serves Licking County, has experienced even more significant cuts, with only three full-time reporters remaining.
Dispatch news reporter Jordan Laird stated, “For too long, Ohio’s greatest home newspaper has hemorrhaged great journalists due to short-sighted cuts by our corporate owner. Now, we’re taking some power back.” The newly formed Dispatch News Guild has called for the company to begin bargaining immediately.
Company Response and Wider Trends
USA Today Co. Labor Relations Counsel Amy Garrard released a statement acknowledging the decision and affirming the company’s respect for the NLRB election process. Garrard stated the company will “continue to engage the process in good faith as we move forward.”
The Dispatch staff has reported receiving support from sister papers including The Akron Beacon Journal, The Canton Repository, The Record-Courier, and The Massillon Independent, all of which are represented by The NewsGuild-CWA Local 1. The Columbus Dispatch is now one of nearly 50 newspapers across the USA TODAY Co. network that are unionized.
What’s Next?
The next step is likely to be the start of negotiations between the Dispatch News Guild and USA Today Co. These negotiations could cover a range of issues, including wages, benefits, job security, and editorial independence. The length and outcome of these negotiations are currently uncertain. It is possible that an agreement will be reached quickly, or that the process could be prolonged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the vote count?
The vote to unionize was 33-5 in favor of forming the Dispatch News Guild.
How have staffing levels changed at the Columbus Dispatch?
Staffing levels at the Columbus Dispatch have decreased from more than 90 non-management employees in 2019 to less than 40 currently.
What is the union’s immediate goal?
The Dispatch News Guild is calling on the company to immediately begin bargaining with the union.
As local news organizations continue to navigate a changing media landscape, what role do you believe unions will play in ensuring the sustainability of quality journalism?
