BALTIMORE, MD — Citing sliding journalistic standards and union-busting proposals raised by management at the bargaining table, The Baltimore Sun Guild’s news members launched a seven-day byline strike, from Sunday, Nov. 3 to Sunday, Nov. 10, including Election Day. Workers held a kick-off event for the byline strike at the Sun office on Monday, Nov. 4th.
During this time, online and print stories, as well as photographs, by Guild members will not include their names. This step is a demonstration of solidarity by Guild members: Bylines are journalists’ signatures, their way of highlighting their work for the world. But for this week – during an especially key period for political reporters – Guild members will eschew them to stand up for Sun readers and for the union’s rights.
The Sun’s ethical standards continue to unravel under new ownership. Basic journalistic principles have been tossed aside, particularly in stories by Sinclair Media Group published in The Sun. A reporter was fired for voicing her concerns. The features department (covering arts, culture and dining) was disbanded, with its reporters sent to other departments in the newsroom, dramatically limiting their ability to cover culture in Baltimore.
Proposals from the Guild for a fair, updated contract continue to be met with outrageous proposals from the company, including thinly veiled efforts to wrest power from Guild members and reduce fundamental job securities that make us a union — like seniority protections during a layoff and the requirement of just and sufficient cause for dismissal.
“Members of our union are increasingly concerned about placing their names in a newspaper that embraces shoddy journalism from outside our newsroom, that is willing to fire one of our colleagues simply for voicing concerns, and that wishes to cut back our labor protections at the bargaining table,” said Unit Chair Christine Condon.
“This byline strike is a powerful reminder that union labor makes The Sun shine. Our workers deserve a fair contract and fair treatment, and we invite the public to stand with us and demand better.”
The Guild still believes in The Sun, and the strength of its workers. We are calling on readers to stand alongside us to demand better working conditions and the newspaper ethics and standards that should be the norm. If you agree, please send a pre-written letter to the Sun’s management here: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/respect-the-sun-and-its-staff
NO RESPECT, NO BYLINES!
— Baltimore Sun Guild ☀️ (@baltsunguild) November 4, 2024
Members of our Guild rallied outside the Sun's office this morning on day 2 of our byline strike.
Support the Sun Guild this week by sending a letter to management ⬇️https://t.co/iu18iUW5aJ pic.twitter.com/zn9grVvHtS