Organizing Update

Politico and Essential Energy and Environment News (E&E News)

Last Tuesday, workers at Politico and Essential Energy and Environment News (E&E News) won voluntary recognition a mere ten days after announcing the formation of the PEN Guild (TNG-CWA Local 32035). The workers attribute this win to their strategic and positive organizing campaign and the support of an overwhelming majority of the newsroom. The organizing committee members have begun informing their coworkers on the new rights and protections voluntary recognition brings and are eager to negotiate with the company for a first contract. Read more here.

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Point Park University

Last Wednesday, full-time faculty at Point Park University, members of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh (TNG-CWA Local 38061), ratified a new three-year collective bargaining agreement in a unanimous 72-0 vote. The three-year deal includes minimum salary increases, progressive yearly salary increases for all faculty over the course of the agreement, new policies on leave for the Juneteenth federal holiday and other religious observances, and the addition of paid time off for parental leave. The agreement also gives faculty a greater role in shared governance at the university, as well as more input into health and safety matters. Read more here.

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University of Florida

On Monday, workers from the University of Florida (UF) gathered on campus to announce the launch of a new union, United Campus Workers of Florida (UCW-CWA of Florida). Other unions on campus are specific to faculty members and graduate assistants; this new union will be for UF staff and adjunct professors not included in the others. During the announcement, several staff members shared their stories of the challenges they face and low wages they receive and how they hope to change that with collective worker action.