Staff at The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch and The Newark (New Jersey) Advocate have gone public with their effort to form a Union with The NewsGuild-Communications Workers of America Local 1. Under the name Dispatch News Guild - Reporters, Photo-Journalists, Videographers and Digital Producers across both publications are fighting for fair pay and the preservation of local journalism jobs. The outlets share a newsroom and are both owned by parent company USA Today, formerly known as Gannett. The Columbus Dispatch is one of the largest papers in this network without Union-represented workers. Dispatch Business Reporter Dean Narciso said: “Most Journalists consider this a calling, not just a job. We try to be watchdogs against injustice and abuse of power. Yet our shrinking ranks are controlled by outside corporations not always looking out for our welfare.” Northeast Ohio NewsGuild President Tim Botos said: “We’re excited for Dispatch Employees to join in building sustainable and quality journalism in Ohio. We encourage others to follow them, and us, on our growing and continued mission.”

For More On This Organizing Labor News Story, Go To: Columbus Dispatch, Newark Advocate journalists announce union effort | WOSU Public Media

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