(NEW YORK CITY) – Union-represented Editorial Staff employed at Forbes have ratified their first contract in a deal that sets strong editorial integrity protections, establishes a new $68,500 salary floor, includes gold-standard job security protections and more. 

The Forbes Union represents close to 90 Reporters, Photo and Video Editors. 

“We refused to accept any deal that didn’t honor the value we bring every day to Forbes,” Andrea Murphy, who served as Unit Chair and is a Statistics Editor for Forbes, said. “This contract is the direct result of our Union’s perseverance and solidarity.” 

Highlights of the three-year deal include: 

Wages: Raises of 4%, 3% and 3% in each successive year of the contract, with a $2,500 ratification bonus; A new $68,500 wage floor; and robust salary minimums, giving some Members nearly $20,000 or more in raises in the first year

Job Security: Gold-standard “Just Cause” Job Security Protections, guaranteeing Members’ rights to fair due process and representation should management move to discipline or terminate them; A one-year recall period for Members who are laid off; and A pathway to full-time employment for Temps.

Workplace Standards: Strong editorial integrity protections, ensuring a firewall between the edit and business sides of the operation.

This deal is the culmination of more than a four-year fight for a fair contract by the Forbes Union, which first organized with The NewsGuild of New York in 2021.

Members staged multiple actions - including two work stoppages - to win this first contract. 

NewsGuild of NY President Susan DeCarava said: “Forbes’ success is a direct result of our Members’ hard work and their commitment to quality journalism. Our Members fought long and hard for the value of their work. They refused to accept anything less and as a result they won a contract that will vastly improve (their) lives and gives them a voice in maintaining newsroom standards.”

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: NYGuild-represented Forbes journalists win first contract