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Journalists Set to Strike at Gannett: Largest US Newspaper Chain

by Joshua Brown
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newspaper industry strike

Union Protest Targets Gannett’s Leadership and Cost-Cutting Measures

Journalists from approximately two dozen newsrooms operated by Gannett, the largest newspaper chain in the US, are preparing to go on strike starting on June 5, according to their union’s announcement on Thursday. The planned strike, expected to last mostly for one day, aims to protest against Gannett’s leadership and the cost-cutting measures implemented since its merger with GateHouse Media in 2019.

Grievances Include Job Cuts and Shuttering of Newsrooms

The NewsGuild, the union representing workers at over 50 Gannett newsrooms, has highlighted several concerns regarding the company’s actions. These include significant job cuts, the closure of numerous newsrooms, reduced pay and benefits, as well as an alleged lack of good-faith negotiations on pay and working conditions.

Gannett Claims Commitment to Employees and Uninterrupted News Delivery

In response to the planned strike, Gannett’s Chief Communications Officer, Lark-Marie Anton, issued a statement asserting the company’s commitment to providing competitive wages, benefits, and meaningful opportunities for its employees. Anton further assured that the strike would not disrupt the delivery of trusted news or the company’s content.

Simultaneous Protest at Annual Shareholder Meeting

Coinciding with Gannett’s upcoming annual shareholder meeting, the walkout will also serve as a platform for protesters to express their lack of confidence in CEO Mike Reed’s leadership. Shareholders will be urged to withhold their votes for Reed as a symbolic expression of dissent. Reed has been in charge of the chain since the merger in 2019, a period marked by significant challenges in the news industry.

Extended Strikes Planned by Some Newsrooms

While most newsrooms plan to strike for one day, the union has indicated that certain locations may engage in strikes lasting two days or longer, amplifying their message and demands.

Q: Which newspaper chain is experiencing a strike?

A: The strike is taking place at Gannett, which is the largest newspaper chain in the United States.

Q: What is the purpose of the strike?

A: The strike is being conducted to protest against Gannett’s leadership and cost-cutting measures that have been implemented since its merger with GateHouse Media in 2019.

Q: What specific grievances are the journalists raising?

A: The journalists have raised concerns about job cuts, the closure of newsrooms, reduced pay and benefits, and a lack of good-faith negotiations on pay and working conditions.

Q: How long will the strike last?

A: The majority of the strike is expected to last for one day. However, some newsrooms may engage in strikes lasting two days or longer.

Q: Will the strike affect the delivery of news?

A: According to Gannett’s Chief Communications Officer, there will be no disruption to the delivery of trusted news or the company’s content as a result of the expected work stoppage.

Q: What will be happening during Gannett’s annual shareholder meeting?

A: During the annual shareholder meeting, protesters will urge shareholders to withhold their votes for CEO Mike Reed as an expression of no confidence in his leadership.

Q: How has the merger and subsequent actions impacted Gannett’s performance?

A: Since the merger in 2019, Gannett’s shares have dropped more than 60%, reflecting a tumultuous period for the news business.

Q: Are there any supporting initiatives or calls to action related to this strike?

A: The strike has garnered support from various individuals and groups advocating for fair pay, employee rights, and the importance of independent journalism in society. #SupportJournalism #StandUpForJournalists

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