Editorial employees at PC Magazine, Mashable, Geek.com and AskMen announced that an overwhelming majority of its staff have joined the NewsGuild of New York, the union that represents nearly 3,000 media professionals in the greater New York City area.
The employees are requesting voluntary recognition from parent company Ziff Davis, which is owned by J2 Global, and will form one bargaining unit.
As of Thursday, 85 percent of eligible staffers — which include reporters, editors, social media strategists, artists, and video producers — have signed on to the effort. The editorial staff presented their request for recognition to Ziff Davis management Thursday morning.
Staffers cite issues like stagnant wages, at-will employment, protection from harassment, and the need for a voice in the newsroom as constant corporate re-strategizing leaves employees vulnerable.
Ziff Davis purchased Mashable in December 2017 and oversaw its second round of layoffs in two years.
Members seek bargaining power over issues such as proper staffing and equipment to produce their publications, especially as Ziff Davis purchases new properties each year.
“We create a lot of value for this company. If management wants to acquire new companies, they also need to invest in their existing staff,” said PC Mag staffer Alice Newcome-Beill in a statement.
