Southern California News Group Journalists Vote to Authorize Strike
In a significant move reflecting growing discontent among journalists, employees of the Southern California News Group (SCNG), which includes prominent publications like the Orange County Register and the L.A. Daily News, have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. This decision, announced on Monday by the union representing these journalists, underscores the escalating tensions between media workers and management over wages, working conditions, and contract negotiations.
Overwhelming Support for Strike Authorization
The SCNG union reported that an impressive 94% of its members voted in favor of granting their leadership the authority to call for an open-ended walkout. This vote was not just a formality; it represented the voices of over 90% of the 125 unionized journalists, including reporters, photographers, and various digital and production staffers, who work across 11 different SCNG newsrooms. The high turnout and overwhelming support for the strike authorization signal a deep-seated frustration among the workforce.
The Union’s Grievances
The Southern California News Group union is affiliated with the Media Guild of the West, which also represents journalists at the Los Angeles Times. The union has accused SCNG, a subsidiary of MediaNews Group owned by Alden Global Capital, of engaging in unfair labor practices. Key grievances include stalling contract negotiations and underpaying employees, with many reporters reportedly not receiving a raise in over a decade. This situation has led to a palpable sense of urgency among the journalists, who feel that their contributions are not being adequately recognized or compensated.
Management’s Response and Union Leadership’s Statements
As of Monday, representatives from SCNG and MediaNews Group had not responded to requests for comment regarding the strike authorization. However, Sean Emery, a reporter at SCNG and the guild unit chair, expressed the sentiments of many when he stated, “This vote should serve as a wakeup call for management who for more than 2½ years of bargaining has failed to offer acceptable wages and benefits.” Emery emphasized that the patience of union members is wearing thin, with many struggling to make ends meet on stagnant wages.
A Broader Context of Labor Actions
The potential strike is not an isolated incident; it follows a one-day walkout staged by SCNG staffers in December, which was a direct protest against the company’s alleged stalling tactics and unfair labor practices. If the union decides to move forward with a strike, it would mark a historic moment as the first open-ended work stoppage by employees at a newsroom owned by Alden Global Capital.
Publications Under SCNG
The Southern California News Group encompasses a variety of publications beyond the Register and Daily News. These include the Riverside Press-Enterprise, the San Bernardino Sun, Torrance’s Daily Breeze, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Long Beach’s Press-Telegram, Pasadena Star-News, Redlands Daily Facts, Whittier Daily News, and the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. Each of these outlets plays a crucial role in delivering news to their respective communities, making the stakes of the current labor dispute even higher.
The Path Ahead
As the SCNG union continues to negotiate for better wages and working conditions, the situation remains fluid. The overwhelming support for a strike authorization indicates that journalists are prepared to take significant action if their demands are not met. The outcome of this labor dispute could have lasting implications not only for the journalists involved but also for the broader media landscape in Southern California.