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Workers for the San Francisco Public Press have formed a union.
The nonprofit investigative newsroom's staff announced on July 1 that it is joining the Pacific Media Workers Guild Local 39521. A press release stated that a supermajority of eligible staff signed union authorization cards and a mission statement in support of the San Francisco Public Press Workers Guild.
“Through our union, we want a say in decisions that impact staff,” the San Francisco Public Press Workers Guild said on the social media platform Bluesky. “We want to produce reporting in a stable workplace that enables us to do our best, provides opportunities for career growth, and encourages us to stay. A union will ensure the people doing the work are supported, protected and heard.”
The organizing efforts were rooted in the same values that define their journalism and were guided by increased transparency, a stronger editorial voice, fair pay, worker protections and a sustainable work-life balance, according to the news release. The union has been voluntarily recognized by management.
Members of the San Francisco Public Press’ leadership and board did not return requests for an interview.
The San Francisco Public Press was formed in March 2009 and has since produced award-winning work on systemic issues that face San Francisco, such as homelessness and environmental inequities.
San Francisco Public Press community beat reporter Zhe Wu, who works with The Ingleside Light through a pilot partnership, said the union gives the journalists stability to do their jobs better.
“Knowing we have each other's backs, especially as we see increasing threats on immigration, allows me to focus on what matters,” Wu said in the news release.
The Public Press also shared that the decision follows in the footsteps of other local newsrooms. Last year, Mission Local also joined the Pacific Media Workers Guild Local 39521.
"So much of our reporting centers on recognizing the dignity and rights of people in our communities,” Madison Alvarado, a reporter at the organization for nearly five years, said in the press release. “I believe a union will help further that mission a little closer to home.”
