Digital journalists seek union representation as the industry matures

Union representation of journalists was common back when newspapers enjoyed double-digit profit margins, often in the high double digits. But unions' influence in journalism has waned as newspaper profits have tumbled in the digital era and online journalism struggles to find sustainable business models. But unions are seeking to revive their place in journalism with recent attempts to recruit members in financially healthier digital news operations that are seen as viable career destinations.

Employees at Gawker Media, Vice Media, The Guardian US, The Daily Beast and Salon have opted for union representation. Discussions are ongoing at BuzzFeed and Politico. “The underlying dynamic is maturation — both on the side of companies and employees,” says Lowell Peterson, executive director of the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE), which is working with Gawker employees. “There was a time when it was your first job or the last resort when newspapers closed. It’s increasingly looked at as a place where you can build a career.” The wish lists in digital newsrooms contain many of the components their print brethren seek — better pay, stable pension plans, established rules for firing employees. But they also underscore the instability of an emerging industry. Transparency seems to be an oft-repeated demand, partly to fight unilateral, capricious decision-making of founders still operating in entrepreneurial mode.