Unions

Employees at the University of Chicago Press have officially joined the Chicago News Guild, after a supermajority voted in favor of unionizing. In May, the company declined to formally recognize the union. The news follows recent successful unionization efforts at the American Library Association, Dark Horse Media, Catapult, and Hachette Book Group. Elsewhere, the editorial staff of Harper’s Magazine, union members of UAW Local 2110, are holding a one-day strike today to protest the magazine’s contract offer. The union has been in contract negotiations with management since forming in 2024.

The Hachette Workers Coalition voted 388–130 in favor of forming a union, with 75 percent of eligible employees supporting the move. They will join the Washington-Baltimore News Guild and, according to a statement, are now the largest union in trade book publishing with around 600 members. In a memo to staff, Hachette Book Group ceo David Shelley wrote that the company will respect the result and noted, “I and the whole Management Board enter into this new era with hope and in good faith.” The union will soon vote on leadership roles and will bargain with the company on a […]

An “overwhelming majority” of eligible employees at Catapult, Counterpoint, Soft Skull, and Hawthorne Books voted to form a union with the National Labor Relations Board, the union announced on social media. They are part of UAW Local 2110, the same union that represents employees at Harper Collins and Abrams. They will now bargain for a contract with the company, in which they hope to gain higher salaries, increased job security, and more transparency from management. The union comprises approximately 20 employees.    

Dark Horse Comics has voluntarily recognized the workers’ union with the National Labor Relations Board. In a statement, interim ceo Jay Komas noted that, “Voluntary recognition is an unusual step for employers, but in doing so Dark Horse intends to reaffirm its commitment that this new leadership wants to do things differently and enter into good-faith bargaining.” “I understand the employees’ disappointment with how issues have historically been addressed. You’ve taken this step because you believe Dark Horse can be better. So do I,” Komas wrote. “Over the years, this company has asked a great deal of its employees. People […]

In a vote of 77–4, employees at the American Library Association approved the creation of their union, American Libraries magazine reports. ALA Workers United will join the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 and will begin collective bargaining with management. Separately, workers at comics publisher Dark Horse Media are asking management to voluntarily recognize their union, Dark Horse Workers United. The DHWU aims to “improve job security, wages, and benefits,” “create a transparent and equitable workplace culture,” and “acquire a seat at the table when critical decisions are made.”