HUGE Tentative Agreement by NewsGuild-CWA Members with the New York Daily News Following Three Years of Mobilization and “Too Tough to Die” City Council Resolution

It’s been three years on the road to a first union contract for workers at New York City’s hometown paper, but the NewsGuild of NY-CWA members at the Daily News never once backed down — and their hard work and fortitude paid of this week as the NewsGuild came to a tentative agreement with Alden Global Capital, the company that owns the Daily News.

The first union contract includes new, life-changing salary minimums, wage increases, and new benefits for part-timers. 

“I could not be prouder of everyone in the Daily News Union who made this possible,” said Michael Sheridan, unit chair of the Daily News Union. “Winning the first contract for the Daily News’ workers in more than 30 years was an uphill battle. From the historic walkout to distributing flyers and organizing rallies, it was a Herculean effort. But it never would have happened without the dedicated efforts of dozens of people, including those who have left the News for bigger and better things.” 

“This tentative agreement is the direct result of our Daily News Union members’ perseverance and determination to fight for the worth of their work covering this great city of ours,” said Susan DeCarava, president of The NewsGuild of New York. “Winning this contract means our journalists will be able to continue to report on the news that New Yorkers need to stay aware, safe and informed. New York needs its Hometown Paper and its Hometown Journalists more than ever.” 

The TA comes after three years of growing mobilization by the members that included multiple rallies, press conferences, and strong shows of solidarity by the members, as well as a New York City Council resolution passed last week. The "Too Tough to Die" resolution added needed pressure on management for the members fighting for fairer wages and reaffirmed the City Council’s support of journalist unionization.

“New York’s hometown newspaper has held us accountable, informed us, and told our stories. With the federal regime trying to silence our city, it’s now essential to protect this cornerstone of democracy. “The Daily News journalists are underpaid and face poor working conditions, with only 65 journalists covering 8.5 million residents,” said Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa. “Alden Global Capital is a union-busting firm threatening our paper. This City Council is with workers, and the Too Tough to Die Resolution reinforces our support of the Daily News Union’s unionized journalists in their fight for a fair contract.”