(THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT) – Reporters, Photographers, Editors and Digital Producers working for Connecticut’s largest Print/Digital News Organization have voted overwhelmingly to form a Union with The NewsGuild-Communications Workers of America (CWA), joining newsrooms around the country by claiming a voice in decisions about their working conditions, pay, protections against unfair discipline and more. 

The Connecticut News Guild only needed a simple majority to win its NLRB election but far surpassed that - of the 85 ballots counted, 80% (or 68 total) voted yes to a seat at the bargaining table with Hearst.

With this display of solidarity and hope for the future of local journalism, the NewsGuild-CWA said it was excited to begin bargaining a contract together that improves working conditions for all Workers and future Hearst Journalists, including those who didn’t vote or voted no.

The vote came after more than nine months since Hearst Connecticut Staff first announced their Union drive. 

Hearst must now begin bargaining a contract with the Union in good faith, without delay or appeal. 

“Good Unions make for good journalism, and good journalism is a foundation of a free and open society,” said Ethan Fry, a Breaking News Reporter. “I’m so thrilled that my Colleagues and I affirmed our commitment to forming a Union - the first one I am fortunate enough to be a member of after more than twenty years in the profession. I look forward to meeting management to bargain for a fair contract that ensures good local journalism in Connecticut for years to come.”

Hearst has challenged the eligibility of 18 people to be included in the Connecticut News Guild Bargaining Unit, but the NewsGuild-CWA believes most of those Employees are eligible for Union representation and will now fight to ensure they are included in the Unit. 

As Hearst Newspapers has continued to acquire news outlets across the State, including the purchase in early 2025 of The Republican-American, both new and long-time staff have felt the effects of this growth and consolidation including shifting job responsibilities and requirements that they report to offices far from the communities they cover.

Meanwhile, wages have not grown with the rate of inflation and remain inconsistent with the cost of living in Connecticut, Union Officials said. 

“It’s so thrilling to see the overwhelming support from our Colleagues in our Union drive over the past year finally pay off,” said Joe Tucci, a Reporter and Digital Producer. “With our united workforce, I believe that we will be able to work together to build a fair, supportive and comfortable workplace for everyone.”

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Photo Courtesy Of The NewsGuild-CWA.