(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago Tribune staffers on Thursday joined hundreds of unionized journalists on strike over what they say is stalled contract negotiations with their New York-based hedge fund owner, Alden Global Capital.
It's the first time in the newspaper's history that reporters are walking out. Thursday’s action was to last for 24 hours.
Sports columnist Paul Sullivan, a 43-year Tribune veteran, said Alden is the worst owner he's experienced. Wendy Fox Weber said many of her co-workers are being forced to take second jobs or leave the industry altogether because of unfair wages.
“This business is not dying. It is being murdered by the worst villains of capitalism, including Alden Global Capital,” she said.
The strike included 76 members of the Chicago Tribune reporting staff, photographers and some editors. The NewsGuild-CWA, which represents the employees, said they are demanding fair wages an assurance that management won’t eliminate their 401(k) match benefits.
Investigative reporter Ray Long said owners can expect more unrest if no movement is made on a contract.
“If you refuse to bargain in good faith, from this day forward, you will see our wrath,” he said.
In addition to the Chicago Tribune and four sister newspapers in the Chicago suburbs, other striking workers include staffers with the Orlando Sentinel; The Morning Call, of Allentown, Pennsylvania; The Virginian-Pilot; the Daily Press, of Virginia; the Virginia Gazette; and the Tidewater Review.
Contributing: The Associated Press
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