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National Writers Union

@nwu.org
3.7K followers 381 following 163 posts

The National Writers Union fights for all freelance writers & media workers in the digital age. Media contact: comms@nwu.org

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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 28/09/2026
“Since 2020, the average reported pay rate has hovered around $1/word, and stagnant wages mean that freelance writers are functionally making less money now than they were 26 years ago.” So what do we do? We organize.
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The Flytrap @theflytrapmedia.com · 22/09/2026
Running The Flytrap is expensive. There are a lot of technical things we need, like a distribution platform, and grownups, like our tax guy, and it's important to us to pay industry-standard rates to freelancers. So much so that we committed to doing that with the @nwu.org
theflytrapmedia.com
Freelancer Policies
The Flytrap and National Writers Union have agreed upon freelancer policies for media workers contributing to The Flytrap Media.
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Alex Zucker @alexzucker.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
🔔 The National Writers Union @nwu.org has a new website and here is the new page for the Literary Translators Division, describing our current organizing! nwu.org/divisions/li... With the formation of the LTD, literary translators are part of a labor union for the first time in US history ✊
nwu.org
Literary Translators Division | NWU
What is the Literary Translators Division? The Literary Translators Division, or LTD, is a new division of the National Writers Union, formed to organize for better working conditions for literary tra...
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 09/09/2026
We're just $200 shy of our goal of raising $4,000 for our Palestinian colleagues. Will you help us get there? Donate here ➡️ givebutter.com/palestinian-...
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 07/09/2026
This year marks 45 years of NWU fighting for the rights of creative workers. Are you a creative worker who is tired of exploitation, stolen wages, and work insecurity? Let’s fight back together! Join NWU today: nwu.org/join
Graphic made on Canva showing a cartoon raised fist next to the words "Happy Labor Day". Across the bottom is a photo of NWU members at a gathering in New York City in the fall of 2024.
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Becky Little @msbeckylittle.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
@nwu.org has advice about this in our Anthropic settlement explainer by @edwardhasbrouck.bsky.social: nwu.org/anthropic/
The Settlement Administrator’s role is administrative, not decision-making. The Class Counsel lawyers represent both authors and publishers against Anthropic. They don’t represent authors against publishers, and they are not the decision-makers as to what the settlement means or how it should be applied. Don’t take the word of the Settlement Administrator or Class Counsel as the final answer if you think you can make claims for more works or a larger share than they say. The Settlement Administrator must refer any  disputed claim to the Special Master, if the claimant insists. If there is any doubt at all in your mind, make the maximum claim to which you reasonably believe that you might be entitled.

If your claim is initially denied, in whole or in part, but you still think it might be valid, insist that it be referred to the Special Master. There’s no fee to you for having your claim heard by the Special Master. There’s no need for you have a lawyer, and the decision will probably be made based on whatever written documentation you submit, without a hearing. You can submit your own written declaration if, for example, you don’t have written records or a contract or rights reversion was verbal.
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 03/09/2026
Israel has killed more than 240 Palestinian journalists since the genocide began, according to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate. Join us tonight at Starr Bar in Brooklyn to support our colleagues who are still under attack. If you can't make it, you can still donate: bit.ly/Raffle4PJS
bit.ly
Palestinian Journalist Syndicate Raffle 9/3/26
By National Writers Union
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Matt Pearce @mattdpearce.com · 01/09/2026
This is what I’ve been up to at work — $200m for local news jobs over five years if Gov. Newsom signs AB 2222, fully paid for by taking away corporate tax breaks for overpaid CEOs. www.rebuildlocalnews.org/california-l...
rebuildlocalnews.org
California Legislature Passes Nation’s Largest Proposed Investment in Community News
Historic effort provides support to local news outlets for hiring or retaining local journalists, AB 2222 now heads to Gov. Newsom's desk.
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 01/09/2026
Last week we lost Barbara Mende, one of NWU’s most steadfast advocates & long-time members. A fierce champion of writers as workers, she spent decades helping members avoid deleterious contracts, & made sure we got paid what we deserved. We'll miss her terribly. nwu.org/barbara-mend...
nwu.org
A Tribute to Barbara Mende | NWU
Last week, we lost Barbara Mende, one of NWU’s most steadfast advocates and long-time members. Memories and tributes poured in to our union's Book Division listserv, and Edward Hasbrouck wrote this of...
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kayti burt @kaytiburt.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
If you are a writer/creative worker reading this, I hope you will consider joining the National Writers Union (@nwu.org)/The Freelance Solidarity Project (@fspnwu.bsky.social), where we are organizing for better working conditions for writers, freelancers, and creative industry workers. It is vital.
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 27/08/2026
It's not a good day for the NYT. In addition to @transnews.network's call for a public boycott for their role in enabling trans genocide, we're calling them out for ripping off one of our member's stories and failing to credit her, a situation all too common for freelancers. @kaytiburt.bsky.social
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Trans News Network @transnews.network · 27/08/2026
We stand by and reiterate our call to boycott the New York Times. Their role in enabling trans genocide is immense, and we cannot stand by idly. Additionally, we stand with those before us who have called to boycott the Times over their complicity in the genocide in Gaza. Boycott and Divest NYT!
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IFJ- International Federation of Journalists @ifjglobal.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
#USA: Great to see this solidarity between journalists unions! Well done @nwu.org , we wish you a great success in your event! Thanks for supporting the IFJ Safety Fund too!
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AFL-CIO @aflcio.org · 25/08/2026
Dolly Parton knew what it was like to struggle as she fought for working families her whole career. From providing free books to kids to giving working women our "9 to 5" anthem, she was an icon and an inspiration. Rest in power to our union sister. We will always love you.
A photo of Dolly Parton sitting at a desk and talking on the phone in a scene from the movie 9 to 5.
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 25/08/2026
Hey, NY 🗽 Join NWU's Digital Media Division @fspnwu.bsky.social for a reading & fundraiser supporting our sibling union, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate. All proceeds will go to the @ifjglobal.bsky.social Safety Fund for journalists in Palestine. Thurs, Sept 3 @ Starr Barr in Brooklyn
Promo graphic with text that reads "A reading for Palestinian Journalists, September 3, 6-8pm". Logos for NWU and FSP sit below the text. To the right is a sepia picture of a young Palestinian woman picking from an olive tree.
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Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò @olufemiotaiwo.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
I'm still finding out about these folks but @freepress.bsky.social (no, not Bari Weiss's outlet!), @rebuildlocalnews.bsky.social, and several unions including @newsguild.org @wgaeast.bsky.social and @nwu.org are all organizations pushing for structural changes to our information environment.
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IFJ- International Federation of Journalists @ifjglobal.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
#USA: Unions sue over visa restrictions, including those affecting journalists. We fully back this action and join @newsguild.org and @nwu.org in condemning these restrictions that threaten independent reporting and coverage of US affairs. Read more ⤵️
ifj.org
USA: Unions sue over visa restrictions, including those affecting journalists / IFJ
On 18 August, The NewsGuild-CWA, an affiliate of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), filed a lawsuit, alongside with other organisations, challenging the Department of Homeland Security...
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 18/08/2026
"Journalists don’t surrender their rights because they lack immigration status." The targeting of marginalized journalists - including independent journalists without institutional backing - normalizes and facilitates attacks on the free press at large.
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 27/07/2026
"It’s time for the Copyright Office to...stop putting the interests of publishers ahead of creators, & work with us to develop a simple, affordable process that would...allow us to register copyright in our websites and have a chance to take illegal Web scrapers to court." nwu.org/copyright-we...
nwu.org
It Should be Simple to Register Copyright in Web Content | NWU
In response to the latest rulemaking proposal from the U.S. Copyright Office, the NWU has formally requested that the Copyright Office "establish an affordable, minimally burdensome procedure and…
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Kacey Carpenter @kaceycarpenter.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Are you a writer? Come visit the NWU Oregon Chapter at the Writers Fair this Friday, July 31, from 5-7 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza in Portland. The Writers Fair is free and open to the public, so bring a friend. #NWU #NationalWritersUnion #OregonWriters #WillametteWriters #WritersFair @nwu.org
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 27/07/2026
TONIGHT at 7pm PT, NWU's @edwardhasbrouck.bsky.social is joining Steve Martini of @wgawest.bsky.social for a talk on writers, artists, media monopolies, and the role of AI - and what we can do about it: laborfest.net/2026/event/w...
laborfest.net
Events for July 2026 – LaborFest 2026
This walk will explore the many locations where activists lived and the houses that were home to experimental communes.
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 24/07/2026
Heads up: The @ifjglobal.bsky.social offers travel insurance for journalists traveling for work, with a 10% discount for IFJ press card holders. Check it out ➡ ifj.battleface.com
ifj.battleface.com
IFJ Journalist Travel Medical Insurance
Whether heading into a conflict zone, going to remote or challenging places or simply travelling abroad for work with valuable equipment, journalists and media professionals need specialised insurance...
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 29/06/2026
ICYMI: Did you know Defector's freelancer policies were created in partnership with NWU? defector.com/freelancer-p...
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 10/06/2026
“While New York is the first state to recognize that AI cannot do the work of journalists and other news professionals, it will not be the last.” 💪🏼
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U.S. Press Freedom Tracker @pressfreedomtracker.us · 04/06/2026
If you are a journalist — or know one — reporting on Delaney Hall protests in Newark, New Jersey, who has been attacked, threatened, targeted with chemical irritants or had equipment damaged, let us know. Email: tips@pressfreedomtracker.us
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Barry Petchesky @barryp.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Freelancing is hard enough already, and inflation sucks. Defector is raising our base freelance rates by 20 percent. Great time to pitch us. Email me or pitches@defector.com
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 27/05/2026
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 26/05/2026
📣 Support journalists in the Pacific Northwest fighting for better wages and AI protections by telling McClatchy management that you will stand with the workers and not cross the picket line today: actionnetwork.org/letters/tell...
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 20/05/2026
We love seeing our members’ work out in the wild (and supporting independent bookstores)! @kirajosefsson.bsky.social P.S. If you’re a literary translator like Kira, did you know our new Literary Translators Division is organizing for better working conditions? 👀 nwu.org/toc
A hand holds up the book Small Comfort by Ia Genberg in front of a chalkboard sign.
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 14/05/2026
We stand with the workers - the board should too.
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Khawla Nakua @khawlanakua.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Spent the week in Paris representing my incredible union @nwu.org at the @ifjglobal.bsky.social world congress. It was an honor to attend their Centenary Congress, marking 100 years of international solidarity in journalism.
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Alex Zucker @alexzucker.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
It was me! If you take a look at the last few posts I made, you'll see why. @mariannedhe.bsky.social reports on the organizing behind the news, the organizing that *makes* the news, to uplift how people have power to change the world, not just react to it. Also they are a comrade in @nwu.org! ❤️‍🔥✊
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 07/05/2026
Proud to have members @edwardhasbrouck.bsky.social and @khawlanakua.bsky.social representing NWU at this year's @ifjglobal.bsky.social Centenary Congress, marking 100 years of international solidarity in journalism.
Two people stand in front of a banner for the IFJ Centennial Congress.
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IFJ- International Federation of Journalists @ifjglobal.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
#IFJ100 What is the role of journalism in the age of #AI? This question is at the heart of our second panel, where journalists and researchers will explore workers’ rights, truth under scrutiny and the future of the profession.
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 03/05/2026
Today on World Press Freedom Day, delegates to the @ifjglobal.bsky.social Centennial Congress joined members of French journalists unions in front of City Hall in Paris for a reading of names and moment of silence for journalists killed around the world in the last year.
IFJ delegates and union members hold a banner outside Paris City Hall.
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Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 03/05/2026
The United States can’t lead the world in defending press freedom on World Press Freedom Day when it’s actively dismantling it at home.
freedom.press
This World Press Freedom Day, American journalists are under attack
The U.S. government has declared open season on the news media. May 3 is a reminder to fight back
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 21/04/2026
Big media is contributing to the rise of authoritarianism and threatening workers across the media industry. Join us on April 27 to build alliances so we can create a civic media ecosystem outside of major media monopolies. Register: bit.ly/FightBigMedia
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Rebuild Local News @rebuildlocalnews.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Media consolidation is reshaping the industry, affecting workers, consumers and communities. 📣 Join the @nwu.org on Monday (4/27) at 7 p.m. ET for a virtual panel on how we got here, what’s at stake and how we can build a more independent media ecosystem. Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
us02web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Big Media and the Rise of Authoritarianism: How We Fight Back. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Join the National Writers Union (NWU) and its Digital Media Division the Freelance Solidarity Project (FSP-NWU), NewsGuild-CWA, Rebuild Local News, Media Power Collaborative, Free Press, Documentary P...
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 16/04/2026
NWU just voted to become a formal partner of May Day Strong. This May Day, we're hitting the streets to honor the power of the working class. Join NWU members at rallies across the country on May 1st. Together, we are unstoppable. #MayDay
social.demcast.com
Find An Event
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Committee to Protect Journalists @pressfreedom.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
✍️ Sign the petition: Kuwaiti-American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin is detained in Kuwait under new security and fake news laws. Demand Kuwaiti authorities immediately and unconditionally release him. ⤵️ cpj.movements.mov/pet/kuwait-r... #freeahmed #FreeAhmedEldin
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 08/04/2026
🫡
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 08/04/2026
We're in solidarity with @propublicaguild.org workers in their fight!
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IFJ- International Federation of Journalists @ifjglobal.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
#Iraq: [UPDATE 08.04.2026 ] Great news ✊🏿 Journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted in Baghdad on 31 March, has been released. We welcome her release and reiterate that journalists must not be targeted for their reporting. @nwu.org @newsguild.org www.ifj.org//media-centr...
ifj.org
Iraq: Abducted US journalist has been released in Baghdad / IFJ
[UPDATE 08.04.2026] The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has welcomed the release of Shelly Kittleson on 7 April. Kittleson, a freelance American journalist who had been covering news fro...
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Writers Guild of America East @wgaeast.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Big media is contributing to the rise of authoritarianism and threatening workers across the industry. Join the National Writers Union Monday, April 27 at 7pm ET for a panel discussion on the dangers of media consolidation, how we got here, & what we can do about it. Register: bit.ly/FightBigMedia
Big Media and the Rise of Authoritarianism: How We Fight Back. Monday, April 27 on Zoom. 7pm ET / 4pm PT Register: bit.ly/FightBigMedia
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 02/04/2026
Media monopolies pose a potent threat to media workers and to U.S. democracy overall. Join us on Monday, April 27 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT for a panel discussion on the dangers of media consolidation, how we got here, and what we can do about it. Register: bit.ly/FightBigMedia
Graphic reads, "Big Media and the Rise of Authoritarianism: How We Fight Back", Monday, April 27 on Zoom, 7pm ET / 4pm PT, Register: bit.ly/FightBigMedia" - the text is surrounded by greyed out images of different media instruments e.g. a video camera, a digital camera, a radio, a laptop, a magazine; an image of the Monopoly Man is crossed out by a strikethrough circle [image by Rjcastillo on Wikimedia Commons]; cosponsors' logos line the bottom of the graphic
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 01/04/2026
Lacking the institutional protections afforded to most staff journalists, freelance journalists are at heightened risk from attacks on the press. We join outlets in the region calling for our colleague Shelly Kittleson's safe and immediate release.
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 30/03/2026
"The goal of AI, as people like Musk see it, is to replace workers with robots and to gain more power over those workers because they'll just be interchangeable parts and not people whose knowledge and whose skill is used and respected." @edwardhasbrouck.bsky.social www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8UP...
youtube.com
At SF No Kings Day Support For May 1 Gen Strike & Against War On Iran & Palestine
YouTube video by laborvideo
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National Writers Union @nwu.org · 23/03/2026
NWU and our Digital Media Division, @fspnwu.bsky.social, urge lawmakers to include Assembly Bill 10330 in NY’s state budget to shore up local news across the state by allowing nonprofit and digital news outlets to access tax benefits. Read our full statement at nwu.org/ny-nonprofit-news
Text is bordered by a sheet of paper attached at the top with a paper clip and bordered by newspaper print. At the bottom right are FSP-NWU and NWU logos. Full statement text is at nwu.org/ny-nonprofit-newsText is bordered by a sheet of paper attached at the top with a paper clip and bordered by newspaper print. At the bottom right are FSP-NWU and NWU logos. Full statement text is at nwu.org/ny-nonprofit-newsText is bordered by a sheet of paper attached at the top with a paper clip and bordered by newspaper print. At the bottom right are FSP-NWU and NWU logos. Full statement text is at nwu.org/ny-nonprofit-newsText is bordered by a sheet of paper attached at the top with a paper clip and bordered by newspaper print. At the bottom right are FSP-NWU and NWU logos. Full statement text is at nwu.org/ny-nonprofit-news
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Nashville Banner @nashvillebanner.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
NEW: Nashville journalist Estefany Rodriguez is free after more than two weeks in ICE detention. She posted bond and was released from a Louisiana detention facility late this afternoon. nashvillebanner.com/2026/03/19/e...
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The NewsGuild-CWA @newsguild.org · 05/02/2026
Today's rally at The Post building was a powerful show of solidarity from fellow unions, community members, longtime Post readers, past and current Post journalists, international press, city council members, and everyone else who knows that we must #SaveThePost Thank you for your solidarity. ✊
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