Reuters journalists begin third year without contract in United States

The NewsGuild of New York reported that journalists and editors have been mobilising and performing job actions to demand that management come to the table and agree to a contract that recognises its award-winning staff.

The last contract gave journalists a 1.5 per cent guaranteed general wage increase for each year of the new three-year contract as well as $7.6 million for lost pay.

“Reuters can’t have it both ways,” said Dan Grebler, chairman of the union’s Reuters unit, in a Guild notice headed All Is Not Well in Reuters Newsrooms.

“On one hand, editor-in-chief Steve Adler publicly touts the exemplary work of his staff. On the other, Adler has failed to step up and ensure that the staff he praises has a fair contract that protects their financial well-being and rewards the continued accolades they bring to the Reuters brand.”

Last month, Guild members handed Adler a letter with nearly 300 rank-and-file signatures asking him to step in and ensure that his staff secure a contract that recognises their contributions to Reuters’ reputation and bottom line.

“Reuters Guild members have gone without a contract for far too long. Enough is enough,” said NewsGuild president Grant Glickson. “We are tired of being met with a lack of transparency and information at the bargaining table. A fair contract, job protection for those who bring you readers, I don’t think it’s asking for much.”

Washington-based journalist Kia Johnson said: “We show up every day for Reuters and make our managers and the company look good to clients and shareholders. It’s time they show up for us.” ■