Union drive underway at Hearst Connecticut Media Group

On August 8 The News Guild publicly announced that a union drive underway at Hearst Connecticut Media, one of the state’s largest news sources, had already resulted in 80 percent of the 110 person unit signing union cards.

The bargaining unit includes Hearst reporters, editors, photographers, and digital producers. A mission statement was presented to management by the staffers asking for voluntary recognition of the union.

“We’re passionate about our livelihoods and the service we provide to our readers,” digital producer Adrian Szkolar said in a written statement. “That’s why we’re coming together as one. We want to have a seat at the table and work with Hearst to be sure that our quality work will continue in the future.”

“I love reporting, but the job is becoming more difficult by the day, and it’s a struggle to live in the community I cover while also helping to raise a family,” reporter Ethan Fry said. “I’m joining with my colleagues to organize collectively so we can ensure readers throughout Connecticut get the best journalism possible.”

In the decision to unionize, the staff cited concerns about Hearst’s expanding ownership of newspapers and outlets in a market with few independent outlets, depressed wages, return-to-office policies that were implemented without employee consultation, and the company’s increased use of Artificial Intelligence.

The News Guild is part of the Communications Workers of America.