What We’re Up To
First Contract
In June 2022, workers at NowThis unanimously ratified their first union contract. The bargaining unit will see an average raise of 9% in the first year of the agreement, with the lowest-tiered employees receiving a minimum salary of $62,000 by the end of the two-year term. Some of the other highlights of the contract include essential leave and benefit policies for members, a commitment that at least 60% of job candidates interviewed come from groups underrepresented at NowThis, the termination of the use of employee non-disclosure agreements in cases of harassment or discrimination, and more.
Victory!
The NowThis staff union with the WGA East was voluntarily recognized by management on October 27, 2020. Read more about it here.
Why We’re Organizing
Out of love for progressive values and from a desire to practice them, the NowThis editorial staff has chosen to unionize with the Writers Guild of America, East. We appreciate Group Nine Media voluntarily recognizing the union.
We organized not out of anger, but out of love. We cherish what NowThis stands for — truth, tolerance, audacity, fearlessness, compassion, inclusivity, empathy — and are committed to enshrining those values in a contract. Every member of the NowThis Family wants to make sure we continue to be one of the top sources of digital video programming in the country. And we know we can only make that happen by unionizing.
HERE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT GOALS AND PRIORITIES WE HAVE:
- BIPOC CONCERNS: Our workforce and leadership should reflect the company’s commitment to racial equity, rather than claiming diversity through limited representation of Black and brown employees in the company. When people of color, and specifically Black people, are recognized as essential to our work at the highest levels, it will be reflected in the quality of the stories we tell.
- CAREER MAPPING AND EQUITABLE PAY: Every employee deserves to be paid fairly and have a seat at the table regarding their own career progression within the company.
- FAIRNESS: Allegations of racism, discrimination, and sexual misconduct should be promptly investigated and acted upon, without implicit or explicit retaliation against accusers.
- TRANSPARENCY: Clear, open, and consistent communication is essential for making sure all staff are treated fairly. It is also critical for ensuring NowThis staffers are best able to carry out its editorial mission of telling, as our slogan goes, stories that move.
This list of priorities is by no means exhaustive or permanent. We intend this union to be a democratic space of self-advocacy for all current and future NowThis employees, who will work with leadership to create a workplace that is fair for all. We hope management will receive this next step in our company’s illustrious narrative with open minds and an understanding that progress is only possible through a truly collaborative process. 85% of us have signed union cards. We look forward to creating a more inclusive, harmonious newsroom together.