• by Ray Schultz , April 7, 2024

Journalists at Gannett’s Rochester Democrat and Chronicle went on strike Saturday, claiming that negotiations over a new contract had failed.

The unionized staff members are demanding a living wage and protections against threats to their jobs, according to WHAM.  

 “We have been in negotiations for a while and it’s been increasing the last few weeks,” says Justin Murphy, vice-chair ofo the Newspaper Guild of Rochester, WHAM reports. “We think we’re close, but we haven’t gotten to where we needed to be on wages on some protections, protections against artificial intelligence, so we really need the company to come to the table on those things.”

Gannett reportedly stated, “Our goal is to preserve journalism and serve our community as we continue to bargain in good faith.”

The strike is to continue through Monday.