Sun-Times guild, Chicago Public Media reach tentative negotiations

The following was sent out from chicagobusiness.com:

The Chicago Sun-Times Guild has reached a tentative contract agreement with Chicago Public Media, according to Sun-Times reporter and guild co-Chair Nader Issa.

Issa declined to disclose terms but said more details would be given after a ratification vote takes place next week.

The union members, represented by the Chicago Newspaper Guild, have been in negotiations since July with owner Sun-Times owner Chicago Public Media, often taking to Twitter to post their demands for wage increases, retirement fund matches, overtime pay and guaranteed early-career raises. Union members also accused Chicago Public Media of dragging its feet on the negotiations and seeking to strip away rights the union members have had for decades.

In February, union members asked for journalist representation on the board of Chicago Sun-Times Media and Chicago Public Media; no working journalists are on either board. Demand for representation came after Sun-Times CEO Nykia Wright stepped down in January. Union members said they were not told why she left and that their questions about her departure had not been adequately answered.

Non-profit Chicago Public Media, the parent of WBEZ/91.5 FM, acquired the Sun-Times in January 2022. The Sun-Times and WBEZ run separate news operations.

A spokeswoman with Chicago Public Media did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Sun-Times unit of the Chicago Newspaper Guild has 75 members, made up of reporters, editors and other staff members.