News Media Guild

NEW YORK – Leaders of the News Media Guild and Technicians Local 1314 voted this week to endorse a merger, a move that would create a unified labor group representing all unionized employees at The Associated Press for the first time in 60 years.

Members of both locals, voting separately, must approve the merger document before it becomes effective. Ballots will be mailed March 11th to all NMG members in good standing.

The Guild’s Representative Assembly and Executive Committee approved the merger document unanimously. The pact also has the full backing and support of The Newspaper Guild and the Communications Workers of America.

“Both locals have a proud history, but in today’s world of news convergence, unity is the best way to improve contracts and promote quality journalism,” said Tony Winton, NMG president. “This merger preserves the traditions of both locals, while greatly strengthening the resources of both groups,” he said.

“Our two locals have been cooperating now for several years, but this merger solidifies that bond and our determination to stand together,” said Karl Jendretzky, Local 1314 president. Technicians joined CWA in 1987 and affiliated with The Newspaper Guild two years ago.
Highlights of Merger

The merger document spells out that the incoming technicians’ unit would be treated as a “new division” within the News Media Guild.

Under terms of the merger document, the union’s “legislature,” the Representative Assembly, would be expanded by three seats for new technician delegates. The Guild’s Executive Committee would grow by one seat to accommodate a Technician representative.

The merger leaves separate bargaining units intact, however. While one unified local will bargain for both groups, editorial and technical employees would still vote on separate contracts.

Under terms of the document, Technicians would elect their own national committee, a practice that echoes NMG history when separate national committees existed at AP and United Press International.
Financial Efficiency

By combining many routine functions, the merger promises greater efficiency. From office expenses to legal costs, the consolidation of functions both locals were paying for separately will wind up increasing resources for members of both groups.

In addition, the consolidation is likely to mean greater financial support from The Newspaper Guild and the CWA, the locals’ parent organizations.