Corporate news chain Gannett is slashing and burning America’s local papers – including publications across Rochester, Utica and the Hudson Valley – and shrinking vital local coverage, laying off local journalists who report on the information you need to stay safe and connected to your community.
At the time of Gannett’s mega-merger with GateHouse in 2019, the Guild predicted that the news companies’ deal – financed by Wall Street investors – would result in a massive loss of resources and staff. In the last four years, the Guild’s dire predictions have come true as the company slashed half of its staff to service its massive self-incurred debt load of $1.8 billion, robbing newspapers of the resources they need to cover their local communities.
Gannett is hosting a “Best Workplaces” event at the Convention Center and local members of the NewsGuild are asking unionists from across the area to support them at a picket there. How can they recognize best workplaces if they themselves refuse to become a decent one themselves?
What: NewsGuild-CWA Practice Picket with union journalists at the Democrat and Chronicle, the local Rochester newspaper owned by Gannett
When: Wednesday April 3, Gathering at 3:30p
Where: Gathering downtown at Parcel 5 on Main St. Then heading to the Convention Center before 4pm.
Who: Welcoming all unionists and labor allies across CWA and the Rochester community to support us in demanding a fair contract with Gannett.
You can send a letter to Gannett CEO Mike Reed in support of the NewsGuild here!
Please also consider donating to the Gannett Unionized Worker Fund!
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