Guild Membership
All AP editorial unit employees are invited to join the union – and it’s as simple as signing a card. A large majority of your colleagues are members, because they see the advantage of working together as a group. If you’ve never been asked -- consider this an invitation. JOIN US! And please note that union dues are proportional to pay; employees who earn less pay less for membership, dollarwise, than more experienced, better compensated staffers.
In return for the paycheck deduction, Guild members have access to union discussions and publications, and a voting, democratic stake in union decision making and leadership. The Guild supports members and non-members equally during contract negotiations and in disputes with managers, but only Guild members have this direct say in union priorities. And much like public television, Guild advocacy wouldn't be possible without the support of employees like you.
When more employees contribute to the Guild's budget, the union can be more robust and steadfast in its complex, time-intensive, labor-intensive and travel-intensive duties of negotiating contracts, resolving disputes, rallying members and simply staying apprised of working conditions for thousands of staffers from coast to coast.
Guild membership also opens to door to dozens of money-saving consumer discounts, ranging from cell phones to computers – even pet insurance!
Guild Culture
Initially, the "news mindset" and the "union mindset" may seem at odds. AP writers, photographers and editors try to appear as impartial observers, while the union vigorously asserts a point of view. However, what unites the two is a passion for truth, justice and, above all, fairness.
Our Guild is part of a larger union movement that is subdivided into smaller groups, or "locals." The News Media Guild is "Local 31222" of The Newspaper Guild, which itself is a part of the Communications Workers of America. However, given our breadth and our independence, it’s fair to say the News Media Guild is "local in name only."
The most convenient point of contact for a typical member is a coworker acting as "shop steward," usually a volunteer affirmed by fellow Guild coworkers. Shop stewards can help recruit members and also "mobilize" them, encouraging active support to highlight workplace issues.
If a disagreement arises with a manager over contract terms or a "past practice" in any department, shop stewards facilitate a "grievance" process. This often begins with a basic call for clarification and the gathering of information within the department. If the dispute cannot be worked out at the local level (and most issues are), it could proceed to dispute resolution through Guild headquarters.
Employees have "Weingarten rights" as well. Any employee who suspects managers are contemplating disciplinary action is strongly encouraged to have a shop steward or Guild coworker sit in on any meetings with managers. These rights, affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1975, are one of the most important benefits of union representation. Just as anyone questioned by police should have an attorney present, it's prudent for any employee questioned by management to have a union member present to document the discussion. However – you must request that a shop steward be present; your manager does not have to inform you of your rights.
Guild Progress
In recent years, the Guild has fought AP efforts to: shift more retirement and health insurance risks to employees; subject news staff to quotas on story quantity and play; delay payment of significant out-of-pocket expenses; shift clerical work to long-term "temporary" employees with no benefits; and impose an "ethics policy" that circumvented past disciplinary procedures, to name just a few issues.
Guild leaders and members alike have pressed for wider health care coverage, non-discriminatory hiring and promotion, full pension funding, contingency plans and equipment for news coverage of catastrophic events, equal benefits for domestic partners, more equitable merit pay, new equipment that accommodates staffers with repetitive stress injuries and ergonomic workspaces to help avoid those injuries.
The Guild will continue to insist on fair and equitable treatment, and to fight for quality journalism with a wage and benefit structure that attracts and retains top journalists. .