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SciAm Union

@sciamunion.bsky.social
939 followers 48 following 84 posts

We are the staff of @sciam.bsky.social. Just as mitochondria are the powerhouse of cells, we are the powerhouse of the oldest continually published magazine in the U.S. ✊ wgaea.st/sciam-letter

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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
@springernature.com sold @sciam.bsky.social to LabX Media after the staff voted to form a union with the goal of improving and preserving the publication. We call on LabX to recognize our union. Sign the letter in solidarity! wgaea.st/sciam-letter
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Sign the open letter to support Scientific American workers against devastating cuts and union-busting wgaea.st/sciam-letter
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
This letter calls on Springer Nature to ensure that as part of the sale, LabX Media will rehire laid off union workers, restore staff salaries to previous levels, and maintain a high level of journalistic integrity.
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Springer Nature sold Scientific American after the staff voted to unionize and three days before that election was ratified by the National Labor Relations Board. A larger number of staff were laid off and the salaries of remaining workers were cut by as much as 30 percent.
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Sign the open letter to support Scientific American workers against devastating cuts and union-busting: admin.actionnetwork.org/petitions/an...
admin.actionnetwork.org
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Writers Guild of America East @wgaeast.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Shame on @springernature.com for union busting! We call on @sciam.bsky.social’s new owner @labx.org to recognize the @sciamunion.bsky.social and prepare to bargain a fair first contract. Thank you to everyone who joined yesterday’s Scientific American Union rally in solidarity ✊
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Three days after Springer Nature sold Scientific American without warning, the NLRB conducted our scheduled union vote count, despite Springer Nature’s attempt to stop it. And guess what? WE WON. What’s more, it was nearly unanimous, with 31 out of 32 voters checking YES.
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Hi--the union didn't exist then, we only formed earlier this year.
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Join us for a rally outside of Springer Nature offices on Tuesday, June 30th at 5pm ET to call out the company’s callous treatment of Scientific American’s staff, publication, and legacy—and to stand up for science journalism everywhere. RSVP: wgaea.st/sciam-rally
wgaea.st
Scientific American Union Rally 6/30
On Tuesday, the international scientific publisher Springer Nature sold Scientific American, the iconic 181-year old publication famous for its authoritative coverage of science to LabX Media Group. L...
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
On Tuesday, Scientific American was sold by international publisher Springer Nature. Large numbers of staff were immediately laid off, and salaries of remaining workers were cut by as much as 30% SciAm staff had just voted to unionize. We should call this action what it is – blatant union-busting.
A poster titled “Scientific American Rally” invites people to a rally on tuesday june 30 at 5pm at 1 new york plaza. it says “show springer nature that science journalism and the people behind it matter!”
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Thanks to @springernature.com HR and their representatives, we’ve heard a lot of silly union-busting comments and we’re close to hitting bingo! We can’t wait for tomorrow to say we’ve voted YES to recognition.
A bingo card offering many of the common strategies companies use to bust unions
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Our vote for union recognition is one week away! The HR team at @springernature.com stated their stance: “We hope you will conclude that voting “no” is the right choice for you.” We’re confident we deserve fair and equitable workplace representation and are excited to vote YES on Tuesday June 2nd. ✊
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Today, @springernature.com has invited staff to a third “informational meeting” with union-buster Ronn English. Who knew “union avoidance” was a recognized skill on LinkedIn?
Text reads: "FAQ--How do I spot a union-buster? Answer--Here's a hint..." above a LinkedIn screenshot of Ronn English listing a skill in "Union Avoidance"
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
It’s official! @springernature.com refused voluntary recognition and is requiring a vote on June 2. 🙄 An overwhelming majority of staff signed union cards, so forcing a vote disrespects our voices. We’re not fooled, we know a union-busting tactic when we see it—but it won’t work! 👊
A grinning Pedro Pascal with the text "When you're excited to ask for voluntary recognition."A stony-face Kristen Bell from the gif "my disappointment overflows," captioned "When you find out your company doesn't want to voluntarily recognize your union."
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
As biologist M. Picard wrote in the June 2025 issue of Scientific American, “Mitochondria communicate, both within their own cells and among other cells, reaching out to support one another in times of need and generally helping the community flourish.” We’re proud to help @sciam.bsky.social thrive!
An image of a phone showing a headline that reads "Mitochondria are more than powerhouses--they're the motherboard of the cell" by Martin Picard.
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
For example, a telltale sign of an unhealthy mitochondrion is an irregular inner membrane folding pattern. But when in contact with with other mitochondria, those folds realign into a healthier pattern.
An illustration depicts a gray mitochondrion with a misfolded inner membrane, with an arrow leading to an illustration of two healthy looking mitochondria side by side.
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Mitochondria are dynamic. They can morph from one shape to another, swell and contract, and even divide and recombine. Recent research has revealed complex interactions between mitochondria.
An illustration showing blobs representing mitochondria moving and merging.
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
As Siekevitz put it, “Some of the energy of ATP is used in the mitochondrion, but most of the ATP is immediately shot out to power the other activities of the cell.”
An illustration of a mitochondrion
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Mitochondria are widely known as the “powerhouse of the cell,” a phrase popularized by an article from P. Siekevitz in the July 1957 issue of Scientific American. The nickname reflects their ability to convert oxygen and foodstuffs into ATP—a form of usable energy.
An illustration of a magazine open to a page topped with "Powerhouse of the Cell: by Philip Siekevitz"
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Why did the Scientific American union choose mitochondria as our symbol? A key part of working at @sciam.bsky.social is caring about getting good science to people. To that end, please enjoy some mitochondria fun facts! 1/🧵
The SciAm Union logo featuring a mitochondrion
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
We’ve been told @springernature.com brought in a union-busting consultant to ensure @sciam.bsky.social workers get "accurate information" about unions. If that’s the point, why are they fighting to keep our members from even being part of the process? Stop union-busting!
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
As @springernature.com continues to employ tired and costly union-busting tactics, we just wanted to say we’re so grateful to all the subscribers, scientists and journalists who’ve reached out and said they’ll stand with us as we fight to ensure @sciam.bsky.social lasts another 180 years. Thank you!
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UCP Workers Guild @ucpworkersguild.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
We’re unionizing! Workers at UCP are forming a union with the Chicago NewsGuild, TNG-CWA Local 34071, joining the nationwide movement for a stronger publishing industry.
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Writers Guild of America East @wgaeast.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Take action to #BlockTheMerger: Sign the open letter. Join the Guild and over 4,000 film industry professionals in calling on regulators to block the dangerous Paramount x Warner Bros. Discovery merger! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com
Open Letter Opposing the Paramount-WBD Merger
Please join us in signing the below open letter opposing the Paramount-Warner Brothers Discovery merger. The signature line is below the text of the letter. Note: new signatures are not added…
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The NewsGuild of New York @nyguild.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
CONGRATS: We are incredibly proud of our members who won or were finalists for 2026 Pulitzer Awards. Democracy depends on their journalism and it’s why we fight for – and win – strong contracts to protect our members’ ability to do their work.
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Writers Guild of America East @wgaeast.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Workers at @sciamunion.bsky.social deserve union recognition and a fair first contract, not a union-busting lawyer!
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Writers Guild of America East @wgaeast.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Standing together for workers everywhere. Yesterday, the WGAE joined @nyclabor.bsky.social, the New York Immigration Coalition, and union and community members across the city to march for International Workers Day. #MayDay ✊
WGAE member and staff group photo at Washington Square Park May Day Rally with Writers Guild of America East flag and “Tax the Rich” protest signs  Photo of community members marching at Washington Square Park May Day Rally with Writers Guild of America East flag
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NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO @nyclabor.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
This is what it’s like to have a mayor like @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social that stands firmly with working people. #MayDay2026
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
And there’s more—we’ve met the company’s labor consultant. The NLRB has cited union-buster Ronn English for his “glaring lack of credibility” and he is associated with a firm that spreads QAnon conspiracy theories. He also explained basic arithmetic to our staffers—come on!!
A 2023 news story with the headline "Union Buster Ronn English Called-Out for "Glaring Lack of Credibility"A 2021 news story titled "The Union-Busting Consultant Spreading Far-Right Conspiracy Theories"A 2016 news story titled "Whole Foods Hired Far-Right Wing Activist as Union Buster"
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Happy May Day! It’s been a busy week for SciAm Union’s mighty mitochondria. In good news, @springernature.com formally responded to our demand for voluntary recognition. But disappointingly, instead of working with us directly they are dragging their feet and calling in the NLRB.
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
A big welcome to our new pals at Futuro Union!
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Thank you for spreading the word!
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Yes--nearly 1 in 4 SN employees worldwide is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We just want to join them!
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Thank you, Soraya!
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Thank you, Dwight!
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Thank you, Edith!
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Ahh amazing!
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Thank you, Kelly!
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Thanks so much for your support, Glendon!
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Thank you, Philip!
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Thank you, Steven!
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Thank you for your support, Shava!
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Thank you for your support, Alberto!
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
We believe all workers deserve a fair contract and a voice in their working conditions--congratulations to all the film and TV workers who won this new contract!
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Writers Guild of America East @wgaeast.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Shame on @springernature.com for union-busting! The Company needs to respect their workers and recognize @sciamunion.bsky.social without delay or division. #1u
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Workers deserve transparency and respect, not intimidation. We demand Springer Nature work with us directly and voluntarily recognize our union instead of wasting SciAm’s staff time and resources on meetings like these.
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
The SciAm Union is disappointed that @springernature.com dragged our colleagues into a last minute meeting this morning with the notorious union-busting law firm Littler Mendelson (the same one Starbucks and Amazon hire 👀)
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Writers Guild of America East @wgaeast.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Read the WGAE and @wgawest.bsky.social Statement on the Warner Bros. Discovery Shareholder Vote to Approve Paramount Merger
WGAE/WGAW Statement:
The proposed merger of Paramount & Warner Bros. Discovery would be a disaster for writers, the entertainment industry, consumers, and the country. While shareholders approved this deal today, this merger is far from final. This proposed acquisition is exactly what our nation’s antitrust laws are designed to prevent. We are confident CA Attorney General Rob Bonta & his fellow State Attorneys General will investigate this transaction fully and follow the law.

Every time media and entertainment companies merge, they promise lower prices, more choices for consumers, increased production & improvements for workers. And every time those promises are broken; the mergers instead result in higher prices, fewer choices, significant job loss, & suppression of underrepresented voices and stories.

The Writers Guild of America urges antitrust enforcers to intervene and stop further harms to competition in an already consolidated industry. This merger can and must be blocked.
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SciAm Union @sciamunion.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
That's so awesome to hear--congratulations to you and your colleagues!
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