Digital employees at ABC News have voted unanimously to establish union representation through the Writers Guild of America East. The approximately 50-member bargaining unit, which includes digital reporters, editors, video producers, and social media staff, completed the election on Friday, July 31. ABC News management and WGAE reached an agreement on the union representation process for employees working across ABCNews.com and the network’s social media platforms.
The WGAE has a long history representing unionized workers at ABC News, dating back to the 1960s when it began covering broadcast staff. Union members expressed enthusiasm about joining thousands of other Disney employees and hundreds of ABC News colleagues already represented by unions. Workers stated they wanted to participate in shaping ABC News’ future as the industry undergoes rapid transformation.
WGAE President Tom Fontana praised management for engaging in productive discussions that led to voluntary union recognition without requiring a formal National Labor Relations Board process. The Writers Guild of America East represents workers across multiple major news organizations, including CBS News, NBC, and Fox 5, as well as thousands of employees in film, television, podcasts, and online media sectors.
Originally reported by Variety →
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