Peoria Unit Chair Phil Luciano has this message for journalists at the Springfield State Journal-Register:
We fight the same fight that you fight: to be able to do our jobs and receive fair compensation.
But the newspaper industry continues to hamstring itself by decreasing staff, slashing pay and increasing workloads. Demoralized and decimated newsrooms can’t adequately fulfill their duty as public watchdogs. And any failure thereof makes a newspaper nothing but a sham to readers.
You have invested uncountable hours in not just your own careers, but in bettering the reputation and the bottom line of the Springfield State Journal-Register and GateHouse Media. In return, you deserve nothing less than fairness and justice from your employer.
To that end, Guild membership is vital. In these uncertain newspaper times, you need the support and assistance available only via Guild representation. After more than a half-century of Guild protection – and in the wake of the most challenging contract negotiations in a quarter-century – Peoria Unit 86 can attest to the value and power of Guild guidance.
And our fight is the public’s fight: to preserve quality journalism. You are an invaluable resource to your community, and Guild representation will only strengthen that role and connection.