EXCLUSIVE: The writers at Civic News Company have a new deal.
The 29-member bargaining unit, which is represented by the WGA East, unanimously voted to ratify their second contract since unionizing. The 2.5-year contract includes “major improvements” to paid sick leave, salary minimums and short-term disability, the guild says.
“We’re proud to see our members at Chalkbeat, Votebeat and Healthbeat win a strong new contract. These members create essential news resources across vital topics, and they deserve union protections that reflect how important their work is,” WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen said in a statement.
The Civic News Company unit includes reporters, story editors, engagement team, and visuals staff at Chalkbeat, Votebeat and the company’s newest venture, Healthbeat.
Here are additional deal highlights:
- 5 days of sick leave per year in addition to accrued PTO. There was previously no dedicated sick leave for members.
- A minimum starting salary of $63,500 in major markets and $62,000 in other locations.
- Annual minimum salary increases of 3.5% in the first year of the contract, and 3% in the second and third year of the contract.
- 6 weeks of paid short-term disability leave.
- 2 weeks of severance per year of service with a minimum of 10 weeks and a maximum of 22. That is an increase from a minimum of 8 weeks and a maximum of 20 weeks.
- 18 weeks fully paid parental leave, up from 14 weeks.
- AI provisions to dictate that the company cannot use a person’s voice or likeness to create new audio or visual content. Also, employees can opt not to have their byline used for any content where AI was used in “a substantial capacity.”
- Monthly internet reimbursement for remote work.
- The Company will work with DEIB committee to establish best practices for supporting LGBTQIA employees and will conduct a compensation study in the next year that includes a pay equity analysis along race, gender and identity lines.
All three of Civic News Company’s brands are nonprofit news organizations with specialized reporting focuses. Chalkbeat aims to improve schools, especially for those who have historically lacked access to sufficient education. Votebeat focuses on elections and voting in the U.S. Healthbeat, set to launch this summer, will spearhead local coverage of public health.
In addition to Civic News Company the WGA East’s Online Media Sector includes the Bustle Digital Group, Committee to Protect Journalists, CNET, Fast Company, Future PLC, Gizmodo Media Group, Hearst Magazines, HuffPost, Inc., Jewish Currents, NowThis, Onion Inc., Refinery29, Salon, Slate, Talking Points Media, The Dodo, The Intercept, Thrillist, VICE and Vox Media.
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