It’s another great week for the labor movement in publishing, at small presses and big.
As of this afternoon, the University of Chicago Press Workers Guild (UCPWG) has won its union election, with a majority of the group’s 134 members voting to become a unit. Chicago News Guild.
In a decisive victory, 89% of workers voted in favor of union representation. This should create conditions for the first union in the 130-year history of the press.
But wait, it gets better! (And how many times do you get to read HeThese days?) The effort is part of a nationwide labor movement that is currently taking aim at the publishing industry and scoring major victories. Just yesterday, Hachette Book Group staff Too Voted (388 to 130) forming a union With the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.
it The victory is historic for its size. according to Publishers WeeklyThe Hachette Workers Coalition—that is, the organization behind the union drive—speaks for “600 union-eligible remote and NYC-based workers,” making it the largest union. In business publishing history.
So what’s next for our intrepid employees? Elections and contract negotiations.
As Publishers Weekly reportsThe Hatchet Workers Coalition (HWC) will soon “elect leadership and prepare to negotiate its first collective bargaining agreement.” For all the enthusiasm, it can be an uphill battle. Especially considering that management has so far mounted a strong anti-union campaign.
Although there is still hard work to be done in Chicago, the sun is shining just as brightly for now. Meredith Nini, senior promotions manager at the University of Chicago Press, expressed excitement about the next phase in a public statement.
“I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of my fellow workers to win this election,” Nini told reporters. “These election results show that Press employees are bound together by a shared mission. We look forward to bargaining for a contract that ensures a sustainable and equitable workplace for years to come.”
Whether the press is big or small, we leave two words to the workers: Togetherness forever!
But in the meantime, you can read more about the UCPWG mission Here. and Hatchet Workers Coalition Here.
