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Chicago Reader Union

@chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social
229 followers 71 following 34 posts

Official editorial union of the Chicago Reader, organizing with @chicagonewsguild.bsky.social. Established 2015.

PostsRepliesMedia
Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
We remain united at the bargaining table, and we’re committed to securing more reasonable compensation for our time and labor. Thank you to all who have supported us thus far. We hope to have more positive updates for you soon!
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
We want to come to an agreement with Noisy Creek, but we can’t accept lower wages for longer hours. We have loved ones to care for and rent to make, and we value the high level of dedication and skill we bring to our work.
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Our longest serving members would see a wage reduction of up to $2.95 per hour. Only three unit members would see an increase in pay—of $0.04 per hour. How could anyone accept a contract like this, especially in an economically turbulent time?
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
However, Noisy Creek is continuing to ask our unit members to work more hours for less money. Under the new time and wage schedule proposed by Noisy Creek, unit members would make an average of $1.67 less per hour compared to our current contract.
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
In February 2026, the Chicago Reader Union began contract negotiations with our Seattle-based parent company, Noisy Creek. After eight months, we’re pleased to share that there’s been some positive movement—and we hope for more in the weeks to come.
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Marketplace Union @marketplaceunion.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Every single member of our union signed this petition we delivered to Marketplace management today. Their current proposals related to pay are unacceptable. We deserve better.
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
actionnetwork.org/letters/tell...
a guy ignores a woman labeled “management’s concessionary proposals” in favor of looks another woman labeled “a contract that protects work-life balance and guarantees a living wage.”
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
🖤
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bcinchicago.bsky.social @bcinchicago.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
We are so incredibly blessed to have the Chicago Reader. Support the union!
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
actionnetwork.org/letters/tell...
a guy ignores a woman labeled “management’s concessionary proposals” in favor of looks another woman labeled “a contract that protects work-life balance and guarantees a living wage.”
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
thank you!
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
wanna help us win a contract that preserves longstanding benefits and guarantees a living wage? take 30 seconds to send a message to noisy creek.
actionnetwork.org
Tell Noisy Creek the Chicago Reader Union deserves a fair contract
We, the Chicago Reader Union, have been bargaining a new contract with Noisy Creek management since February 2026. Despite our sacrifices and dedication, management has consistently put forward propo...
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
we’re headed back to the bargaining table today to continue fighting for a fair contract 🐀 hope to have some good news to share soon. thanks to everyone who’s supported us so far.
a bus is parked on train tracks. the bus is labeled “management’s anti worker proposals.” the bus is smashed by an oncoming train labeled “the love and support of my comrades and community.”
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
management be like
drake turns away in disgust from “maintaining longstanding benefits while paying employees a living wage.”

drake points and smiles in delight at “longer work days and half as much sick time.”
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
more on our contract fight and how you can help out here:
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
management be like
drake turns away in disgust from “maintaining longstanding benefits while paying employees a living wage.”

drake points and smiles in delight at “longer work days and half as much sick time.”
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Reposted by Chicago Reader Union
Sarah Lazare @sarahlazare.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Wow this is outrageous. Yikes! Really cruel to cut sick time, for parents and for everyone.
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shawn @mulchy.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
hi have you emailed my boss about sick time yet?
actionnetwork.org
Tell Noisy Creek the Chicago Reader Union deserves a fair contract
We, the Chicago Reader Union, have been bargaining a new contract with Noisy Creek management since February 2026. Despite our sacrifices and dedication, management has consistently put forward propo...
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
thank you!
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David Zoltan (he/they) @wonkicorn.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
I'm supporting the Chicago Reader Union. So should you. This will take you literally no more than 2 minutes. #UnionStrong
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
we deserve a contract that protects us in sickness and in health 🐀 will you take 30 seconds to email our bosses and urge them not to cut our benefits?
actionnetwork.org
Tell Noisy Creek the Chicago Reader Union deserves a fair contract
We, the Chicago Reader Union, have been bargaining a new contract with Noisy Creek management since February 2026. Despite our sacrifices and dedication, management has consistently put forward propo...
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
"this year i got a gender-affirming surgery, which is not covered by the reader's short-term disability policy. i used sick days for recovery," says staff writer @juggaloreporter.bsky.social.
this year i got gender-affirming surgery, which is not covered by the reader's short-term disability policy.

i used sick days for my recovery. 

this would not be possible under management's proposal.

when i raised this concern, management suggested I use vacation time." -micco caporale
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
"i needed this book deal because i am not paid enough to cover childcare without it," says staff writer @katieprout.bsky.social.
"i use our flexible hours to care for my child and work on a book.

I needed this book deal because I am not paid enough to cover childcare without it.

With management's proposal (no sabbatical, fewer sick days, fewer personal days) I don't know how I'm going to take care of my child while finishing my book."

-katie prout
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
"this policy would put an undue hardship on myself and the other parents in the union," says editor @kerrycardoza.bsky.social.
"this policy would put an undue hardship on myself and the other parents in the union.

our young children are frequently sick and need to stay home.

last winter, my toddler had the flu three times."

-kerry cardoza
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
*cough cough* management has proposed cutting our sick time in half—to just six days a year. some of our members shared what it would mean to agree to noisy creek's sick time proposal 🧵
almost 20% of the union are parents to young children. management's proposal would make working at the reader nearly impossible for parents.
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Daniella @daniellamazzio.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
My good friends at the Chicago Reader (cc: @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social) are being offered contract proposals that would strip away long-held benefits. Having just won the dang paper a *dang award,* I sent a letter to management. Join me in showing solidarity! actionnetwork.org/letters/tell...
actionnetwork.org
Tell Noisy Creek the Chicago Reader Union deserves a fair contract
We, the Chicago Reader Union, have been bargaining a new contract with Noisy Creek management since February 2026. Despite our sacrifices and dedication, management has consistently put forward propo...
34419
Reposted by Chicago Reader Union
Leor Galil @imleor.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
More than 500 people have sent letters in support of @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social. Can we double that by the end of the weekend? It takes less than a minute to send a letter to management on our behalf.
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shawn @mulchy.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
y’all have helped us send more than 500 emails to our bosses demanding they offer us what we’re worth 🥹 can we get to 600 this weekend?
actionnetwork.org
Tell Noisy Creek the Chicago Reader Union deserves a fair contract
We, the Chicago Reader Union, have been bargaining a new contract with Noisy Creek management since February 2026. Despite our sacrifices and dedication, management has consistently put forward propo...
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
thank you for your support! ✊
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Elsa Hiltner @elsahiltner.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
As the centerfold of @chicagoreader.com's Sex Issue, I want you to know about the @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social negotiations the staff are in, and how you can support fair working conditions at one of our city's most vital cultural institutions. Sign the letter: actionnetwork.org/letters/tell...
actionnetwork.org
Tell Noisy Creek the Chicago Reader Union deserves a fair contract
We, the Chicago Reader Union, have been bargaining a new contract with Noisy Creek management since February 2026. Despite our sacrifices and dedication, management has consistently put forward propo...
141
Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Thank you to everyone who's sent a letter or shared our post! We're blown away by the outpouring of support. 🐀 We're less than 40 letters away from sending 500 to management. Can you help us get there by the end of the day?
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Jamie Ludwig @jamieludwig.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Last year, the Reader Union helped the paper survive a crisis that nearly shut us down, taking paycuts, furloughs, and working long hours and outside gigs. Now, management is proposing a contract that would cut longstanding benefits and pay us less than workers at its other papers.
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lou @wanlittlehusk.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Proud to be an alt-weekly baby. These jobs put food on the table for me as a kid, but without a dedicated staff given the time and resources to do their job, they are worth absolutely nothing. actionnetwork.org/letters/tell...
Baby Lou held by Seattle Weekly employee mom on the picket line against the Seattle Times/PI in 2000
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Laurie! Live! @laurie-merrell.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
sent a letter! The Reader is invaluable because of its workers
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
thanks for your support, dan!
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Lilly Wachowski @lillywachowski.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Signed
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
thank you 🐀
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Leor Galil @imleor.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
The Reader union is in the middle of contract negotiations, and we could use your support.
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Katie Prout @katieprout.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
I took a furlough for this paper when I was 6 months pregnant. The story I pushed out before I pushed out my kid recently took 1st place for long form features in the 2026 AAN Awards. Still, Noisy Creek wants to pay me (& my Reader comrades) less than our peers at the other outlets they own. 🤔
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
thank u!
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
4/4 All the while, Noisy Creek shares news of growth and prosperity in other parts of the company—in part due to funding from other labor organizations. Help us win a fair contract by sending a letter to our management demanding that we be treated with the respect we deserve.
actionnetwork.org
Tell Noisy Creek the Chicago Reader Union deserves a fair contract
We, the Chicago Reader Union, have been bargaining a new contract with Noisy Creek management since February 2026. Despite our sacrifices and dedication, management has consistently put forward propo...
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
3/ Noisy Creek management refuses to pay us what we're worth. They want us to give up sick time, work longer hours, and mandate we work in an office in exchange for meager raises that would leave us making less per hour.
actionnetwork.org
Tell Noisy Creek the Chicago Reader Union deserves a fair contract
We, the Chicago Reader Union, have been bargaining a new contract with Noisy Creek management since February 2026. Despite our sacrifices and dedication, management has consistently put forward propo...
1177
Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
2/ Last year, members of the Chicago Reader Union voluntarily took pay cuts and furloughs to keep the paper running amid layoffs and an uncertain future. Yet we've continued to create award-winning journalism, even with a reduced staff and despite salaries lower than most newsrooms in Chicago.
actionnetwork.org
Tell Noisy Creek the Chicago Reader Union deserves a fair contract
We, the Chicago Reader Union, have been bargaining a new contract with Noisy Creek management since February 2026. Despite our sacrifices and dedication, management has consistently put forward propo...
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
The Chicago Reader Union has been bargaining w/ Noisy Creek since February. In that time, management has consistently offered proposals that would cut longstanding benefits in exchange for meager pay raises. We need YOU to tell Noisy Creek we deserve better! 🧵 🔗: actionnetwork.org/letters/tell...
July 16, 2026
union rat's log

TELL NOISY CREEK WE DESERVE BETTER.

Noisy Creek management wants us to ...

-Work longer hours
-Take fewer sick days
-And work in-office

all while offering us lower wages than other newspapers they own.

Join us in demanding a fair contract!
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
ps: share to show ur support <3<3
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
6.24.26 union rat's log this morning, the reader union returns to the table with noisy creek management. noisy creek's recent counterproposals suggest many policies & benefits worse than our current contract. but we know our worth, & we won't accept unnecessary concessions. ttyl, union rat <3
on a red background, a blue angry rat holes a reporter's notebook with the reader R on it in yellow
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Katie Prout @katieprout.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
It's raining so hard today that the MWRD has issued an Overflow Action Alert! Please conserve water usage to reduce water in sewers! Also! Follow @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social, & read the rat log below to catch up on what we sacrificed last year to keep the Reader alive. It's new contract time 😎
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Leor Galil @imleor.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The Reader’s union is in the middle of negotiating a new contract with our new owners, updates will be shared on the union account
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Chicago Reader Union @chicagoreaderunion.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
last year was tumultuous, to say the least, but the work of my union made me proud to be a union rat. thank you everyone for reading my rat log. pls reshare so others can follow along and learn how to support my comrades and i if/when we need it. more soon! yr friend, union rat
bright blue background, red and black text. 

june 17, 2026
union rat's log

what happened last year?

screenshots of story headlines: "with chicago reader at 'imminent risk of closure' staff works to cut costs, find donors. after six non-union staffers were laid off, the alt-weekly is trying to increase donor outreach and crowdfunding, and some staff have offered pay cuts or deferred compensation."

chicago news: "chicago reader at 'imminent risk of closure' "

media and marketing: "chicago reader, facing 'imminent risk of closure' undergoes layoffs."yellow background, black text, with images of a blue rat holding a notebook on the righthand side of the page.

in january 2025, we found out the reader was in the red. the union mobilized quickly to save our jobs and the paper. 

of 20 unit members at the time, 13 took immediate furloughs or temporary pay cuts.yellow background, black text, with images of a blue rat holding a notebook on the bottom of the page.

all unit members agreed to delay a contractually mandated five percent raise for a period of seven months.

voluntary reductions in unit salaries totaled $157,531 in 2025. 

that's 12.1 percent of the total salary owed to unit members. yellow background, black text, with images of a lare blue rat holding a notebook on the bottom right hand corner of the page.

let's hope or new employer, noisy creek, takes these sacrifices into account at the bargaining table.

more soon,
union rat
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