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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Hearst refuses to negotiate on guaranteed pay raises and wants to cut other benefits, but they have the money to spend over $1 billion in an all-cash deal for the rest of A&E deadline.com/2026/07/disney-ae-global-media-stake-sale-hearst-1237013578

deadline.com

Disney Selling A+E Global Media Stake To Hearst For Over $1 Billion

Disney is shedding a linear asset, selling its 50% stake in A+E Global Media. The deal, believed to worth north of a $1 billion and all-cash.

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Maybe $25 a week, $200 for eyeglasses or even thousands of dollars for an insurance buyout are not as significant to them, but it is significant to us

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Despite our best efforts to explain that even an extra $5 per shift can make a meaningful difference, the company refuses to see it that way. In fact, they seemed uncomfortable even hearing real-life examples of how Times Union employees might be impacted

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

And it’s not just differentials. The company has eliminated eyeglasses reimbursement and wants to eliminate a buyout for employees who decline health insurance and a one-month paid leave of absence for employees who have worked at the Times Union for five years

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Senior Vice President of Human Resources Renee Peterson said these employees chose to work those hours when they accepted their jobs. Furthermore, she told the Guild that differentials should apply only when employees perform duties outside the scope of the jobs for which they were hired

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Why? Hearst counsel Vince Floyd says their compensation already reflects the physical, mental and social sacrifices these shifts require

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Hearst is refusing to budge on allowing differential pay — pay rates we currently have for employees who work odd or long hours That means employees who work nights and weekends would be getting a pay cut

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Times Union publisher George Hearst has promised there will be no pay cuts in our contract. His bargaining team and their contract proposals tell a different story

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Voting to approve or reject the memorandum of agreement on vacation will take place today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The MOA can be read here: albanyguild.org/blog/2026/08/01/vote-on-aug-4-on-moa-on-vacation

albanyguild.org

Vote on Aug. 4 on MOA on vacation – Albany Newspaper Guild

Serving the employees of the Times Union in Albany, New York since 1934.

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

We turned the heat up on Hearst and wished King George a happy early Independence Day 🔥 Thank you to our fellow labor unions who joined us and everyone who showed support (including those truck drivers and EMTs) and shout-out to our fellow Hearst unions! We're just getting started ✊🗞️

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Come see us here in Albany as we picket outside the Times Union! From 12 to 1 p.m. today we will join the Connecticut News Guild, Dallas News Guild and Austin News Guild — who, like us, are all currently fighting for a fair contract with Hearst Together, we are walking out and standing together

Graphic reading "United As One! We are walking out with our fellow Hearst unions"

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

We are encouraging members to change their Slack photos to our Albany Newspaper Guild logo while we bargain for a fair contract. But that doesn't mean we can't have fun with it

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Reposted by Albany Newspaper Guild

Writers Guild of America East @wgaeast.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Celebrating Juneteenth! Today we honor Black joy and liberation, and continue our commitment to uplifting Black voices.

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

This support is huge. We are not alone in this fight, and we will keep pushing forward

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Earlier this year we also received letters of support from NYS AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento and members of the NYS legislature: Harry Bronson, Jessica Ramos, Carrie Woerner, Pat Fahy, Gabriella Romero, Michelle Hinchey, John McDonald, James Skoufis, Phil Steck and Didi Barrett

Dear Mr. Swartz: As a subscriber, and on behalf of the 2.5 million members and 3,000 local unions of the New York State AFL-CIO, I write to express the union movement’s solidarity with the members of The Albany News Guild, Local 31034, TNG-CWA, as they bargain with the Times Union for a fair contract. As you know, here in New York, our strong union movement is a testament to the power and leverage of workers who stand together. With thousands of unions representing millions of workers across the public sector, private sector and building trades, the percentage of union membership in our state is nearly double the national average. Pursuant to State Labor Law, it is the policy of our state to encourage collective bargaining, the right to which is also enshrined in the New York State Constitution. The labor of journalists and all media workers at the Times Union fills a critical role in the Capital Region. Tens of thousands of people, including many union members and leaders, rely on the Times Union every day for accurate, informative, and timely news that impacts their daily lives. Journalists and media workers at the Times Union have gone without a contract for more than 17 years; yet they still provide this high quality, trustworthy reporting to the region under such difficult circumstances. The union movement aims to ensure that all workers are paid good, family-sustaining wages and treated fairly and equitably. I implore you to negotiate a contract that ensures the people who we rely upon to inform us about the State government and Capital Region are paid and treated fairly. Furthermore, concerns have been voiced pertaining to attempts to break up the bargaining unit. These concerns are only strengthened by recent reports of discipline among

bargaining unit members. It should be known that any attempts to union bust will not be tolerated. Times Union readers are counting on you to come to a fair and speedy resolution on this contract. I respectfully encourage you to bargain in good faith and come to an agreement on a
fair deal as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely
Mario Cilento

February 18, 2026
George R. Hearst III, Publisher
The Times Union
645 Albany Shaker Rd.
Albany, NY 12211
Dear Mr. Hearst,
We the undersigned members of the New York State Legislature write to you regarding the
ongoing contract negotiations between The Albany News Guild, Local 31034, TNG-CWA, and
the Times Union. As you know, it is the policy of New York State to encourage collective
bargaining, which is the right of workers under our state Constitution and our state Labor Laws.
The work of journalists and all media workers at the Times Union fill a critical role in the Capital
Region. Tens of thousands of people rely on the Times Union every day for accurate,
informative, and timely news stories that impact their daily lives. Even though no collective
bargaining agreement has yet to be reached, journalists and media workers at the Times Union
are still providing high quality, trustworthy reporting to the region.
New York State aims to ensure that all workers are paid fair and livable wages and treated fairly
and equitably. Any tentative agreements should be considered as contract negotiations proceed.
Furthermore, concerns have been voiced pertaining to attempts made to break up the bargaining
unit. It should be known that any attempts to union bust will not be tolerated. Our state
Constitution protects workers right to organize.
Times Union readers are counting on you to come to a fair and speedy resolution on this
contract. We respectfully encourage you to bargain in good faith and come to an agreement on a
fair deal as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,

Harry B. Bronson
Assemblymember, AD-138
Chair of the Assembly Labor Committee
Carrie Woerner
Assemblymember, AD-113
Gabriella Romero
Assemblymember, AD-109
John T. McDonald III
Assemblymember, AD-108
Phil Steck
Assemblymember AD-110
cc:
Jessica Ramos
State Senator, SD-13
Chair of the Senate Labor Committee
Patricia Fahy
State Senator, SD-46
Michelle Hinchey
State Senator, SD-41
James Skoufis
State Senator, SD-42
Didi Barrett
Assemblymember, AD-106
Steve Swartz, President and CEO, Hearst Corporation
Jeff Johnson, Senior Vice President, Hearst Corporation
Vincent Floyd, Senior Labor Counsel, Hearst Corporation
Renee Peterson, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Hearst Corporation

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Thank you to Daniel McCoy - Albany County Executive and New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who’ve joined a growing number of state and local politicians urging Hearst’s corporate leaders to move forward and bargain fairly

Publisher George Hearst
Times Union
P.O. Box 15000
Albany, New York 12212
Dear Mr. Hearst,
COUNTY OF ALBANY
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE
112 STATE STREET
ALBANY, NEW YORK 12207-2021
(518) 447-7040 - FAX (518) 447-5589
WWW.ALBANYCOUNTYNY.GOV
June 12, 2026
MICHAEL P. MCLAUGHLIN, JR.
DEPUTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE
The undersigned write to you regarding the four years of ongoing contract negotiations between
The Albany News Guild, Local 31034, TNG-CWA, and the Times Union.
As you know, it is the policy of county and city governments to encourage collective bargaining,
which is the right of workers under our state Constitution and our state Labor Laws.
The work of journalists and all media workers at the Times Union fill a critical role in the Capital
Region. Tens of thousands of people rely on the Times Union for their news. Considering this,
allowing journalists and media workers at the Times Union to go without a contract for 17 years,
while they are still providing essential reporting to the region is unconscionable.
As local elected officials, we aim to ensure that all workers are paid fair and livable wages and
treated fairly and equitably. Any tentative agreements should be considered as contract
negotiations proceed. Furthermore, attempts to break up the bargaining unit should cease. It
should be known that any attempts to union bust will not be tolerated. Our state Constitution
protects workers right to organize.
Times Union readers are counting on you to come to a fair and speedy resolution on this
contract. We respectfully encourage you to bargain in good faith and come to an agreement on a
fair deal as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Daniel P. McCoy
Albany County Executive

Dear Mr. Swartz:
I am writing today about the ongoing contract negotiations among the Albany
NewspaperGuild, Local 31034; the NewsGuild-CWA; and the Times Union. As you know, workers ’rights in New York are guaranteed and protected by our state labor laws.
The Times Union’s journalists and other media workers play a critical role in
keeping thousands of residents in the Capital District informed
with timely, accurate reporting that matters to people’s daily lives. Working tirelessly for
more than 17 years without a collective-bargaining contract, these dedicated workers
have continued to be a vital resource of informative news reporting for the region.
All New Yorkers have the right to fair and livable wages. In addition, the New York State
Constitution guarantees New Yorkers the right to organize. I am aware that there have been
attempts to break up the bargaining unit. | am writing to inform yout hat I will not
tolerate any unlawful attempts to break up the union.
I urge you to work toward a speedy resolution to these contract negotiations, which offer fair
and equitably wagesforall affected workers. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
LETITIA JAMES

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Reposted by Albany Newspaper Guild

Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Final reminder to join us Saturday evening to protest! 🪧✊

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Reposted by Albany Newspaper Guild

Connecticut News Guild @ctnewsguild.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

If it seems to you like there are fewer journalists covering Connecticut, you’re right. This week, those ranks grew thinner: Hearst CT unjustly fired a highly experienced reporter who was respected by his peers, sources and readers.

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Final reminder to join us Saturday evening to protest! 🪧✊

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

The picket is this Saturday! Sign ideas include: Justice for Justin (our chief steward who was fired) No temporary workers We need guaranteed maternity leave Honor our agreements If you fire us, we should be able to challenge you Don’t let AI replace us We need a raise

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Reposted by Albany Newspaper Guild

The NewsGuild-CWA @newsguild.org · 11/06/2026

“If we want to control what happens to our byline, that’s the company telling us that we need to form a union. So, hey, let’s do it.” And they did. www.niemanlab.org/2026/06/the-...

niemanlab.org

The Centre Daily Times unionizes after backlash to McClatchy’s AI tool

The local Pennsylvania outlet is the first newsroom under The NewsGuild-CWA to unionize in response to AI adoption.

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Reposted by Albany Newspaper Guild

Connecticut News Guild @ctnewsguild.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

We had our first bargaining session on Zoom on June 1, with the support of dozens of unionized Hearst Newspapers colleagues from the @albanyguild.bsky.social the Austin News Guild, @dallasnewsguild.bsky.social and the S.F. Chronicle Guild. Here's (some of) what the bargaining committee said:

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Writers Guild of America East @wgaeast.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

The NY FAIR News Act has passed the State Senate and Assembly and is now on its way to the desk of Governor Hochul. Thank you to our amazing sponsors and champions, and to everyone who raised their voices in support of this important legislation to protect journalists and the public from AI!

WGAE Statement on New York Legislature Passing Bill Mandating Disclaimers on Al-Generated News
We are thrilled to announce that the New York State legislature passed the NY FAIR News Act (New York Fundamental Artificial Intelligence Requirements in News Act), S.8451-B / A.8962-B, first-in-the-nation legislation that mandates that news organizations include disclaimers when they publish content substantially or wholly created by artificial intelligence. The NY FAIR News Act will now be sent to Governor Hochul in order to be signed into law.
Thank you to our amazing sponsors and champions, Senator Patricia Fahy and Assemblymember Nily Rozic. Thank you to our sibling unions and allies: the NYS AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA, the Directors Guild of America, NewsGuild of New York, The NewsGuild-CWA, CWA District 1, Freelancers Union, and the Writers Guild of America West. Thank you to every Guild member who raised their pens or their voices in support of this important legislation.
The NY FAIR News Act protects journalism, our members, and our democracy by ensuring the public knows whether the news they read, watch, or listen to is produced by a human or by a computer program. While New York is the first state to recognize that Al cannot do the work of journalists and other news professionals, it will not be the last.

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

It's always a good time to remind EVERYONE what their rights are as workers Whether you have a union or not, you have a legal right to walk out in protest of unfair labor practices or for economic concessions like higher wages Read more here: nlrb.gov/strikes

nlrb.gov

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Reposted by Albany Newspaper Guild

Connecticut News Guild @ctnewsguild.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Want to support Hearst CT journalists in our negotiations for a fair contract? Post messages of solidarity on Monday and repost our updates here, on Instagram and X (@ctnewsguild). The more people who know about our fight to make CT a better place for journalists, the better!

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

We're only a few weeks away from our picket against Hearst on June 13 🪧

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Check us and our union siblings at the Austin News Guild and Dallas News Guild in Publishing Insider about our unfair labor practice charges against Hearst

mediapost.com

Hearst Haggling: Workers At 3 Newspapers Allege Unfair Labor Tactics

The NewsGuild accuses Hearst of bargaining in bad faith.

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Thanks to your support, our strike fund is now over 60% to our goal! This is huge. This fund will help cover at least part of the pay members will forgo during the walkout. Donate here: 🔗 bit.ly/TUWalkoutFund 🔗

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

ICYMI, Guild Secretary Kathleen Moore spoke with retired Post Star editor Will Doolittle about our fight for a fair contract. Check it out here: 🔗https://kentingley.substack.com/p/neighbors-defended-child-as-school🔗

kentingley.substack.com

In Queensbury, neighbors defended a child

Getting no respect, newshounds eye walkout

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Reposted by Albany Newspaper Guild

ID & WA News Guilds @idwanewsguilds.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

We have overwhelmingly voted to go on STRIKE as we fight for a fair contract with McClatchy Media and its five Pacific Northwest newspapers. Our demands are simple: Protections against AI and wages that keep up with inflation.

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PEOPLE United (We/They/Us/Union) @peopleunite.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Money spent directly on union busting, is wages stolen from workers: "...employers spent about $1.7 billion on union avoidance specialists and union-busting attorneys in 2024." "The True Cost Could Be Tens to Hundreds of Billions a Year" jacobin.com/2026/05/unio... #UnionBusting #Solidarity

jacobin.com

The Real Cost of Union Busting Is Much Higher Than You Think

A new study reveals that employers are spending big to maintain their dictatorial control over the workplace and crush unions. It’s a daunting amount of money, but it’s not impossible to overcome if w...

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Reposted by Albany Newspaper Guild

The NewsGuild-CWA @newsguild.org · 21/05/2026

BIG: Three Hearst newsrooms have filed charges against the company for violating federal law. "Hearst needs to end its unlawful tactics, including regressive bargaining and disciplining members for doing Guild business, and come to the table and negotiate in good faith," @albanyguild.bsky.social

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

This also includes charges filed by our fellow members at the Austin American-Statesman and the Dallas Morning News in Texas Read more here 🔗albanyguild.org/blog/2026/05/21/we-filed-federal-labor-charges-against-company

albanyguild.org

We filed federal labor charges against company

Media workers at three Hearst-owned newspapers represented by The NewsGuild-CWA have filed unfair labor practice charges against Hearst with the National Labor Relations Board this week, accusing the…

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Workers at 3 Hearst-owned newspapers represented by The NewsGuild-CWA — including the Times Union — have filed unfair labor practice charges against Hearst with the NLRB this week, accusing the company of violating federal labor law and retaliating against workers for union activity.

albanyguild.org

We filed federal labor charges against company

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

But journalism doesn’t pay well. Some of our members live paycheck to paycheck. Members can’t afford doctor’s appointments or car repairs. That’s why we are reaching out for support. Our fundraiser will help cover at least part of the pay members will forgo during the walkout

bit.ly

Donate to Support Times Union Workers During Walkout, organized by Kathleen Moore

We are the Times Union. We bring you all the news, we make the ads, we take … Kathleen Moore needs your support for Support Times Union Workers During Walkout

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

We said we would have more news soon, and here it is For 17 years our members have been breaking news, taking photos and making ads without a contract. For 17 years Hearst has refused to negotiate with us So we are preparing to walk out. It is clear the Times Union/Hearst won’t budge otherwise

bit.ly

Donate to Support Times Union Workers During Walkout, organized by Kathleen Moore

We are the Times Union. We bring you all the news, we make the ads, we take … Kathleen Moore needs your support for Support Times Union Workers During Walkout

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

We need to keep up the pressure. We believe we would not have gotten a proposal, inadequate though it is, without it 6/6

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

What you can do: Join us at our picket! We will be picketing at 5:30 p.m. on June 13 outside Forts Ferry Farm to demand Hearst negotiate fairly and move forward on a fair contract. And stay tuned for our next big move after that 😉 5/6

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

What we are doing: We are continuing our public campaign to pressure the company to do the right thing. George Hearst and other corporate leaders have received letters and phone calls from state senators and Assembly members, the state AFL-CIO president and the public 4/6

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

They also want to, as they put it, “have the ability to use part-time employees and independent contractors to eliminate or displace a present staff position” and continue to push for the removal of all advertising staff from the Guild 3/6

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

In addition to erasing all previously made tentative agreements from 2022, the company wants to eliminate double-time-and-a-half pay for working on holidays, all shift differentials and seniority in vacation selection 2/6

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

The good news: After nearly four years of negotiations, the company finally offered us a comprehensive contract proposal The bad news: It is woefully inadequate 1/6

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CWA @cwaunion.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Happy May Day! On May 1st, and everyday, we celebrate worker power and honor those who came before us and fought for workers' rights. Today, we keep up that fight.

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

How to support us: Ask the Times Union & Hearst to give the Albany Newspaper Guild a fair contract now Publisher George Hearst: ghearst@timesunion.com, 518-454-5694 CEO Steve Swartz: sswartz@hearst.com, 212-649-2000 President of Newspaper Group Jeff Johnson: jeff.johnson@hearst.com, 212-649-2000

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Guild President Wendy Liberatore spoke with the NYS AFL-CIO's Darcy Wells on the Union Strong podcast and broke down the history of our negotiations, Hearst's union-busting and just what is at stake for us and for local news. Give it a watch or a listen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVqO...

youtube.com

Union Strong Podcast: Breaking Their Silence After 17 Years

YouTube video by New York State AFL-CIO

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Guild member H.R. Schneider snapped this photo from their car in Washington County while covering reactions at an apartment complex after a local woman was killed #journalismhappenshere

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Albany Newspaper Guild @albanyguild.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Despite management's in-office work requirements, some of our most essential work happens in the field, whether that's in news or sales

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