Daily Beast Union unanimously ratifies new contract

NEW YORK –  Unionized editorial workers at the Daily Beast, represented by The NewsGuild of New York, have reached a collective bargaining agreement with the company that, among other things, lifts wages for all members and provides extra pay for those who choose to take buyouts.

Members of the Daily Beast Union overwhelmingly ratified the contract Wednesday night. 

“As our newsroom navigated through changes in our management, our bargaining team remained focused on negotiating the strongest possible contract,” said Luis Rendon, senior photo editor for the Daily Beast and unit chair for the union. “We are proud to have achieved this deal, which gives everyone a raise and gives our departing colleagues more in their pockets as they exit.”

The Daily Beast Union will say goodbye to just over 60% of its members who have chosen to leave the company on their own terms and accept a strong buyout package that was negotiated by the Guild bargaining team. Those who are taking a buyout will also benefit from the new contract, which grants them applicable pay raises retroactive to Jan. 1. 

Here are some other highlights from the contract:

Wages

Pay for 2024 is retroactive to Jan. 1.  

• 4% raise for those earning $75,000 or less; 4.5% in 2025 
• 2.5% raise for those earning between $75,000.01 and $120,000; 3% in 2025 
• 1% raise for those earning between $120,000.01 and $150,000; 1.5% in 2025  
• 0.5% raise for those earning $150,000.01 both years.  

Benefits

• 16 weeks of paid family leave (up from 6) 

In addition to these benefits, as part of the buyout negotiations, unit members will be protected from any layoffs through Dec. 31, 2024.

“The NYGuild bargaining team at the Daily Beast faced every difficult challenge head on  – from new bosses looking to make a name for themselves to the threat of layoffs to ongoing contract negotiations,” said Susan DeCarava, president of The NewsGuild of New York. “Our members have demonstrated that organized, strategic collective worker action can navigate and even overcome the obstacles management puts in front of us. When we fight together, we win together.”