GMG Union won.
After four days of picketing in the first open-ended strike by a digital media shop, G/O Media management has acknowledged the strength and demands of our members. The members of GMG Union have reached a tentative deal with management, pending a ratification vote by members.
Our members were out on the picket line every day, and their tireless efforts secured better working conditions for all unit members.
We want to thank everyone who joined us on the picket line, our vocal supporters on social media, and those who gave to our GoFundMe. Your donations have ensured that none of our staffers and regular contractors had to lose a full paycheck to fight for a fair contract. The money we raised will be given to those who forwent a paycheck while withholding their labor for better working conditions.
The Union’s efforts, combined with this support, is what made our win possible. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and are excited to get back to work making the blogs, videos, podcasts, and posts that make these websites great.
Onward,
GMG Union
What we won:
Higher salary minimums for all positions, including $62,000 at the lowest tier in 2022 (up from $55,000), with an additional $1,000 each year for the life of the contract
Guaranteed 3% annual raises for all unit members
15 weeks parental leave
12 weeks minimum severance
Maintained our current cost-sharing cap for healthcare
WPATH-compliant, trans-inclusive healthcare
Defeated management’s proposal to give up bargaining rights over changes to healthcare mid-contract
45K diversity effort budget with audit and transparency
Goal of 40% of candidates at the hiring manager interview stage from underrepresented backgrounds
Retained right to publicly speak about working conditions, including social media escalation campaigns
Strengthened editorial independence language; management must now adhere to both G/O Media's editorial policy and the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics
Obtained guarantees against forced relocation for current remote staff