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‘Historic contract’: ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» and Washington-Baltimore News Guild Local 32035, TNG-CWA reach collective bargaining agreement

The Southern Poverty Law Center and the , TNG-CWA (the Guild of WBNG) have reached their first collective bargaining agreement, covering approximately 250 ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» employees for the next three years.

The contract, reached on July 15, reflects the values and commitment of both the ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» and the Guild to social, racial and economic justice. Over the life of the contract, the average wage will increase by more than 11% for employees. Beginning Nov. 1, the minimum wage for new ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» employees will be over $20 per hour.

The Guild was certified by the National Labor Relations Board as the exclusive representative of the ÈËÊÞÐÔ½»â€™s employees following an election in December 2019. Shortly thereafter, the ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» and the Guild reached an agreement that provided just cause protection from discipline and discharge and a grievance procedure to enforce it. An interim agreement providing just cause protection is unprecedented in the Guild.

The Guild spent the next year surveying employees and drafting a contract proposal. The Guild presented its proposal to the ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» and commenced bargaining in November 2020.

In a joint statement released this week, ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» President and CEO Margaret Huang and WBNG Executive Director Cet Parks said: “This contract can be a catalyst for economic and racial justice in the South and beyond. It will support all the ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» employees who work every day to achieve a vision of a world where everyone can thrive and the ideals of equity, justice and liberation are a reality for all. The ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» recently celebrated the first 50 years and with this historic contract, the ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» and the Guild are in agreement that employees can have that same vision in the workplace.â€

Other highlights of the contract include:

  • Longevity pay increases
  • 18 paid holidays, including an annual summer break for the week of July Fourth; a guaranteed minimum of 20 vacation days per year; and three paid personal days
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave and 12 paid sick leave days that can also be used for caregiver leave
  • 10 days per year for bereavement leave, two weeks of paid leave for pregnancy loss and two weeks of paid leave for gender affirmation care
  • A high level of health benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including domestic partners and their dependents, at minimal cost to employees
  • Up to 10% annual contributions from the employer to 401(k) retirement accounts
  • Remote work provisions that allow nearly 90% of employees the flexibility to work away from the office at least three days a week
  • Location differentials up to an additional $8,500 per year
  • Annual professional development allowance of $1,500-$2,000
  • Relocation stipends up to $9,500
  • Adoption, surrogacy and fostering reimbursement of up to $15,000
  • Cellphone reimbursement of $75/month for eligible employees
  • Tuition reimbursement up to $15,000
  • Paid sabbaticals after five years of employment
  • A hiring preference for qualified internal applicants and a commitment to develop clear promotional paths
  • Creation of a Labor Management Committee to address racial justice, equity and inclusion
  • Protection against discrimination and a commitment to never require an employee to sign a nondisclosure agreement regarding complaints about discrimination and/or sexual harassment

Photo at top: ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» Union buttons. (Credit: ÈËÊÞÐÔ½»)