Okay, so maybe this will just be interesting to me and like, two other people, but I'll make a thread here anyway.
Many newspapers in the US have had unionized employees, particularly blue collar ones (like typesetters, delivery drivers, etc...but also some writers), but none of the big, digital only companies have done so, for a variety of reasons. That may potentially change, as Gawker Media (which includes Jezebel, Deadspin, etc) is planning on voting on a proposal that would unionize their writers.
The exact specifics are a little fuzzy, but the driving point seems to be to allow for collective bargaining with management and transparency with future decisions, rather than over salary, or specific benefits. If you want to see various Gawker writers discuss why they are in favor, or oppose, you can read here. or here.
Digital Media companies typically employ a young writing staff, but as more of these firms enter maturity, that staff is aging, and many are having children and are pushing for more comprehensive medical care solutions. Because distribution methods change so quickly, these firms have also tended to prioritize their ability to radically change directions, including potentially firing people. This isn't great for job security (few have it), but it's also been a big factor in why many of these companies are in better shape than their print counterparts.
There aren't many white collared, private sector industries that are unionized in the US, since many may find it is easier to negotiate individually, where they may have leverage, than as a collective...but for entry level digital writing jobs, perhaps that is less the case now (massive oversupply of workers leading to decreased individual leverage).
Do you think they should do it? I'm a supporter of unions in general, but to be completely honest, given the choice of me working as a writer in a union shop or a non-union shop, I think I would prefer the non-union shop....but maybe I could be talked out of it.
Many newspapers in the US have had unionized employees, particularly blue collar ones (like typesetters, delivery drivers, etc...but also some writers), but none of the big, digital only companies have done so, for a variety of reasons. That may potentially change, as Gawker Media (which includes Jezebel, Deadspin, etc) is planning on voting on a proposal that would unionize their writers.
The exact specifics are a little fuzzy, but the driving point seems to be to allow for collective bargaining with management and transparency with future decisions, rather than over salary, or specific benefits. If you want to see various Gawker writers discuss why they are in favor, or oppose, you can read here. or here.
Digital Media companies typically employ a young writing staff, but as more of these firms enter maturity, that staff is aging, and many are having children and are pushing for more comprehensive medical care solutions. Because distribution methods change so quickly, these firms have also tended to prioritize their ability to radically change directions, including potentially firing people. This isn't great for job security (few have it), but it's also been a big factor in why many of these companies are in better shape than their print counterparts.
There aren't many white collared, private sector industries that are unionized in the US, since many may find it is easier to negotiate individually, where they may have leverage, than as a collective...but for entry level digital writing jobs, perhaps that is less the case now (massive oversupply of workers leading to decreased individual leverage).
Do you think they should do it? I'm a supporter of unions in general, but to be completely honest, given the choice of me working as a writer in a union shop or a non-union shop, I think I would prefer the non-union shop....but maybe I could be talked out of it.
