Union Representation and Legal Rights

Another IAPE steward training opportunity!

Next Thursday, Aug. 29 IAPE members have another chance to learn more about becoming a union steward. In this next class, IAPE activists will discuss specific legal rights of stewards and their roles as union representatives. Class participants will practice member advocacy and will learn about the details of IAPE’s processes for defending members against discipline, including how the grievance process can be used to our advantage.

This Zoom class will begin next Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. EDT. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpcuitrTkvHdCg5uTObFSYjnmkBh6-6Yi-

The NewsGuild Strike School Wants You!
The NewsGuild's third annual Strike School is coming up in a little over a month, and it’s bigger and better than ever!

In recent years, more and more Guild members, including IAPE members, have engaged in collective actions up to and including work stoppages. In 2022, Guild members at 23 shops struck for one day or longer, in 2023, 36 bargaining units shut their workplaces down, and now, just halfway through 2024, 34 workplaces have struck! TNG is building a culture of being a striking union. Because of that, the Guild is excited to announce that on Saturday, Sept. 28, they will be hosting a NewsGuild-CWA union-wide Strike School.

This day-long training will be an opportunity to hear from fellow workers who have been on strike, learn practical skills necessary to prepare our unit, and workshop IAPE’s escalation and organizing plan. Even though our new contract with Dow Jones remains in effect through June of 2027, it is never too early to learn what a strike is all about. IAPE members are encouraged to join!

This class is scheduled to run from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, Sept. 28. Virtual and in-person options will be available – stay tuned for details to follow!

The deadline to register for this event is Sept. 27 at 8:00 p.m. EDT. Register directly with TNG at https://forms.gle/6yifL4QJnBaseTYJ6.

Let’s Rally and Celebrate with our Pittsburgh Union Siblings!

Our union siblings at the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh have been on strike against the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette since Oct. 18, 2022. Now, after 22 months of standing up for their rights and fighting for a fair contract, Pittsburgh Guild members have received cause for celebration from the National Labor Relations Board.

Today at 2:00 p.m. EDT, the Pittsburgh Guild will be hosting a Digital Zoom Rally. All IAPE members are invited to join them in solidarity, virtually, of course. We would love to see you there!

The August 14 edition of Pittsburgh Union Progress, the strike publication produced by Guild members since the beginning of this dispute, first broke news of the NLRB filing “for an injunction seeking to have a federal court step in to end an almost two-year strike and put striking Pittsburgh Post-Gazette workers back to work.”

If the injunction is approved by a judge, Post-Gazette management would be required to bring striking Guild members back to work under terms of an illegally violated 2014-17 contract.

To celebrate this momentous event, Pittsburgh Guild President Zack Tanner is inviting all fellow CWA members to a Digital Zoom Rally, happening today, Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 2:00 p.m. EDT. He will also be sharing more details about the filing as well as ways to continue to help give them the best chance of winning this long-running strike.

It has been a long hard fight for our union siblings and they recognize they would not have made it this far without support from fellow Guilds and CWA union members.

In Solidarity!

It’s Back: IAPE Contract 101

With a new contract in effect, your IAPE representatives are bringing back our “101” series of union tips. Join us on Wednesday, Aug. 21 for Contract 101, when we’ll focus on the various forms of compensation available to IAPE-represented employees.

Overtime, comp time, holiday pay, standby pay, shift differential, and more. What’s a pay scale? How do I know if I’m getting a raise this year? We’ll talk about it all!

This Zoom class will begin at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Register for Contract 101 on the IAPE Events page.

While you’re visiting the Events Page, take a peek at the schedule for upcoming IAPE 101 classes. Whether you are a brand new Dow Jones employee, or you’ve been working here for a while, but would like to find out more about your union, this class is for you!

The next IAPE 101 class is scheduled for Sept. 11, with a repeat on Oct. 2. Both classes will begin at 2:00 p.m. EDT.

IAPE Steward Education Opportunities!

With more and more members volunteering to become IAPE stewards, your Union is offering extra opportunities to learn more about what stewardship means. Tomorrow, at 7:00 p.m. EDT, you can catch our next class: Contract Enforcement and Education.

This training will focus on the role of stewards in educating their fellow members about their rights under the contract and how to enforce those standards and protections. We’ll discuss how to listen and learn from fellow members, as well as ways of keeping folks connected and informed.

Register for Tuesday’s Zoom event at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkceGurDgjGdc3HyxkRAx1J9jAbqeOIMrq

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Later this month, be sure to join us for our third installment of IAPE steward training: Union Representation and Legal Rights.

On Aug. 29 at 7:00 p.m. EDT, we’ll go over the specific legal rights of stewards and their roles as Union representatives. We’ll practice that member advocacy, and we’ll learn about the details of IAPE’s processes for discipline and grievances.

Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpcuitrTkvHdCg5uTObFSYjnmkBh6-6Yi-

Labor Notes Union Ed
And we have even more union training opportunities! Labor Notes is hosting a series of continuing union education courses throughout the month of August. On Aug. 15, 22 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. EDT, Labor Notes will present Race and Labor, a look at how class and race are inextricably linked, tracing back the origins of “race” as an invention of the ruling class to divide workers. Participants will talk about how to move to strategies of unity.

On Aug. 12, 19 and 26 at 8:00 p.m., be sure to catch Secrets of a Successful Organizer, Labor Notes' core organizing training, in three sessions full of lively participatory exercises.

For more details about these classes, including registration information, click the links above or visit labornotes.org/events.

Support for Selina

Your last chance to sign our petition!

On July 17, 2024 Selina Cheng was terminated by The Wall Street Journal after she refused her supervisor’s request to withdraw from an election in Hong Kong’s leading media professional group.

Cheng was told she was fired because of restructuring, but believes that the real reason was her election as chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, a trade union for journalists that advocates for press freedom.

Cheng has issued a statement claiming her WSJ supervisor told her that employees of the Journal should not be seen as advocating for press freedom in a place like Hong Kong.

If true, we find this behavior unconscionable.

We call on The Wall Street Journal to restore Cheng to her former position and to provide a full explanation for management’s decision to dismiss her.

The Wall Street Journal should fight for press freedom and stand with journalists, as it did by fighting the unjust imprisonment of WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich in Russia.

In the United States and in Canada it is illegal to discriminate or terminate an employee for showing support for a union. Unfortunately because Cheng is overseas, she can’t be represented by the Independent Association of Publishers' Employees, a local union of The NewsGuild-CWA. However, IAPE and NewsGuild members stand with Selina Cheng.

Join the support for Selina by signing our petition: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/wsj-stand-for-press-freedom-reinstate-selina

Steward Training: Contract Enforcement
Last week’s IAPE steward training session was a blast, so we’re doing it again next week. On Tuesday. Aug. 13, at 7:00 p.m. EDT, join us for Contract Enforcement and Education.

This training will focus on the role of stewards in educating their fellow members about their rights under the contract and how to enforce those standards and protections. We’ll discuss how to listen and learn from fellow members, as well as ways of keeping folks connected and informed. Register for this Zoom event: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkceGurDgjGdc3HyxkRAx1J9jAbqeOIMrq

Didn’t have a chance to attend last week’s class? No problem, IAPE steward training sessions are open for all members to attend! See upcoming classes on the IAPE Events page.

Labor Notes Union Ed
And we have even more union training opportunities! Labor Notes is hosting a series of continuing union education courses throughout the month of August. On Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 7:00 p.m. EDT, organizers from our parent union, The NewsGuild-CWA, will lead Learn, Do, Teach, a workshop covering how to get more people involved and expand the capacity of your union.

On Aug. 15, 22 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. EDT, Labor Notes will present Race and Labor, a look at how class and race are inextricably linked, tracing back the origins of “race” as an invention of the ruling class to divide workers. Participants will talk about how to move to strategies of unity.

Finally, on Aug. 12, 19 and 26 at 8:00 p.m., be sure to catch Secrets of a Successful Organizer, Labor Notes' core organizing training, in three sessions full of lively participatory exercises.

For more details about these classes, including registration information, click the links above or visit labornotes.org/events.

Evan IS Free Now!

490 days after he was unjustly detained by Russian authorities, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is finally coming home.

Once reports of a prisoner exchange, possibly involving Evan and others, started filtering out of Russia on Wednesday, Journal colleagues were hopeful and cautiously optimistic, but reluctant to make or share any comments until the news everyone had hoped for was 100% verified.

WSJ Editor in Chief Emma Tucker confirmed the news we all have been hoping for in a statement this morning.

“A few moments ago, Evan walked free from a Russian plane,” Tucker wrote, in an email to staff. “He will shortly be on a flight back to the U.S. I cannot even begin to describe the immense happiness and relief that this news brings and I know all of you will feel the same. This is a day of great joy for Evan and his family, and a historic day for The Wall Street Journal.”

“The strength, determination and resilience that Evan, his parents and his sister maintained throughout this long ordeal have been incredible. They have been an inspiration to all of us in the newsroom, to colleagues across the company and to supporters who have campaigned so hard for his release.”

Tucker assured staff that the company intends to continue supporting Evan after this ordeal. “We have a plan in place to ensure Evan is well looked after,” she said. “We want him to take as much time as he needs to recuperate privately and are doing everything we can to support him and his family.”

WSJ staffers have publicly refuted the ridiculous assertion that their colleague was a spy since Evan was first detained on March 30, 2023. Family, friends and colleagues insisted Evan was innocent of trumped up charges through the conclusion of a sham trial two weeks ago, when he was sentenced to serve 16 years in a Russian prison.

Throughout Evan’s unjust detention, co-workers shared Evan’s incredible work covering Russia and Ukraine. The Committee to Protect Journalists called for Evan’s release “immediately and without conditions.” NewsGuild President Jon Schleuss urged the Biden administration to “take all necessary steps” to secure Evan’s release from prison.

“Journalism is not a crime,” Schleuss wrote. “No journalist should be arrested for doing their job.”

WSJ Editor in Chief Emma Tucker had encouraged staff to use the hashtag #istandwithevan in social-media posts after Evan’s arrest. IAPE members, Dow Jones employees and supporters everywhere quickly changed their social media avatars and members distributed “Free Evan Now” buttons as fast as IAPE could deliver them.

And now, we are finally able to change that message.

Evan IS free now. Welcome home, Evan.

Be a Steward!

And join us Wednesday for steward training

IAPE is on the lookout for new stewards to join our ranks of volunteers. Stewards are regular union members who talk with fellow members, identify common issues and problem solve, all to create a more positive work environment.

We have some exciting training opportunities—starting tomorrow evening—to help you kick off your role as an IAPE steward. “Organizing and Outreach” will explore how to talk to colleagues and keep people connected and engaged with IAPE in between contract negotiations. We’ll talk about the importance of listening, how to make new connections, and tips on moving colleagues to action. And, of course, we’ll practice!

This session will be held Wednesday, July 31 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. EDT. Register for this Zoom event at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEuf--vqjwtGN0Ld7-yvWxsd7qIcJqo30d6

For other upcoming IAPE steward training classes, see our Events Page!

WSJ: Stand for Press Freedom, Reinstate Selina!

Join the call for Selina Cheng to be reinstated!

On July 17, 2024 Selina Cheng was terminated by The Wall Street Journal after she refused her supervisor’s request to withdraw from an election in Hong Kong’s leading media professional group.

Cheng was told she was fired because of restructuring, but believes that the real reason was her election as chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, a trade union for journalists that advocates for press freedom.

Cheng has issued a statement claiming her WSJ supervisor told her that employees of the Journal should not be seen as advocating for press freedom in a place like Hong Kong.

If true, we find this behavior unconscionable.

We call on The Wall Street Journal to restore Cheng to her former position and to provide a full explanation for management’s decision to dismiss her.

The Wall Street Journal should fight for press freedom and stand with journalists, as it is doing by fighting the unjust imprisonment of WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich in Russia.

In the United States and in Canada it is illegal to discriminate or terminate an employee for showing support for a union. Unfortunately because Cheng is overseas, she can’t be represented by the Independent Association of Publishers' Employees, a local union of The NewsGuild-CWA. However, IAPE and NewsGuild members stand with Selina Cheng.

Join the support for Selina by signing our petition: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/wsj-stand-for-press-freedom-reinstate-selina

Town Halls, Comp Time and More

Some Monday afternoon reminders

IAPE members, don’t forget to register for one of this week’s Town Hall meetings! IAPE officers, directors, stewards and staff are hosting open forums to talk about new contract changes, and address your questions. IAPE reps will also talk about exciting opportunities to get involved with your union and how to keep IAPE moving forward!

Members can choose from two sessions: Tuesday, July 23 at 2:00 p.m. EDT and Thursday, July 25 at 4:30 p.m. EDT. To receive your remote meeting calendar invitation, register here!

Union members are also invited to attend IAPE steward training sessions on July 31, Aug. 13 and Aug. 29, and a legislative information session hosted by our parents union, The NewsGuild-CWA tomorrow evening. See the IAPE Events Page for details and registration links.

How Was Your Weekend?
Nothing like breaking news to disrupt a weekend, right? Or a worldwide software outage? Or mandatory overtime?

Whether you work in News and needed to join in on unscheduled coverage over the past two weekends, or you’re a Technology employee assigned Saturday work to make sure systems are running smoothly, or a member in Due Diligence required to clean up a backlog of reports, chances are you’re entitled to extra compensation.

Do you know how to file for that?

Overtime-exempt members are entitled to Comp Time whenever they are assigned work on Scheduled Days Off—members can claim a maximum of eight hours of work per SDO at 1.5X for a total of twelve hours of comp time per day—which can be used as soon as you can schedule time off, or can be cashed out after 30 days.

Overtime-eligible employees are entitled to 1.5X pay anytime a manager assigns work in excess of seven hours in one day, or 35 hours in a regular week.

For more details, see IAPE advisories on Comp Time and overtime pay. If you have any questions about eligibility or filing for your time, contact the union office.

IAPE Town Halls, Steward Training and More!

Events! We have events!

Join your fellow members for upcoming IAPE events! Choose from two union Town Hall meetings to discuss the new contract between IAPE and Dow Jones, and attend one of IAPE’s new steward education classes and learn how to engage with fellow members.

As an added bonus, all IAPE members are invited to attend an information session hosted by representatives from The NewsGuild-CWA.

Visit the IAPE Events Page for details, or scroll below for more info and registration links:

IAPE Contract Town Hall
Join union officers, directors, stewards and staff for a town hall meeting to talk about our new contract! It has been over one month since IAPE and Dow Jones reached agreement on a four-year deal, and three weeks since members voted overwhelmingly to approve a new collective bargaining agreement.

So, let's get together to talk about new contract changes, and address any questions you might have. IAPE reps will also talk about exciting opportunities to get involved with your union and how to keep IAPE moving forward!

We have two remote meeting sessions to choose from: Tuesday, July 23 at 2:00 p.m. EDT and Thursday, July 25 at 4:30 p.m. EDT. Select your choice and register here: https://forms.gle/SCkXEEkgVL1cXQSy7

NewsGuild Legislative Info Session
Tuesday, July 23 - 8:00 p.m. EDT

Hear about two recent TNG-CWA journalism legislative wins in New York State and Illinois and get updates on the ongoing fight to take on big tech and pass strong pro-journalist legislation in California.

https://bit.ly/3zBG00Y

First IAPE steward training: Organizing and Outreach
Wednesday, July 31 - 7:00 p.m. EDT

Come learn more about how to talk to colleagues and keep people connected and engaged in between contract negotiations. We’ll talk about the importance of listening, how to make new connections, and tips on moving colleagues to action. And, of course, we’ll practice!

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEuf--vqjwtGN0Ld7-yvWxsd7qIcJqo30d6

Second IAPE steward training: Contract Enforcement and Education
Tuesday, August 13 - 7:00 p.m. EDT

This training will focus on the role of stewards in educating their fellow members about their rights under the contract and how to enforce those standards and protections. We’ll discuss how to listen and learn from fellow members, as well as ways of keeping folks connected and informed.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkceGurDgjGdc3HyxkRAx1J9jAbqeOIMrq

Third IAPE steward training: Union Representation and Legal Rights
Thursday, August 29 - 7:00 p.m. EDT

Our last session will go over the specific legal rights of stewards and their roles as union representatives. We’ll practice that member advocacy, and we’ll learn about the details of IAPE’s processes for discipline and grievances.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpcuitrTkvHdCg5uTObFSYjnmkBh6-6Yi-