Daily Herald journalists vote to form a labor union in suburban Chicago newsroom
Journalists at the Daily Herald voted to form a labor union, giving reporters, editors and other newsroom staff at the suburban Chicago newspaper representation as they prepare to negotiate their first contract.
The union organizing committee announced the vote this week and said staff approved unionization by a wide margin. The Daily Herald covers Chicago’s northern and western suburbs and is one of the largest regional newspapers in Illinois.
The organizing effort included journalists across multiple desks, including news, sports and features. Supporters said union representation will give them a direct role in setting pay and benefits. They also said it will shape working conditions and job protections through collective bargaining.
Daily Herald management did not contest the vote, according to the union committee. The committee said both sides are expected to begin bargaining soon. The newspaper has not publicly released the vote tally.
The unionization drive at the Daily Herald follows similar campaigns at other news organizations in the Chicago area. Journalists at those outlets have sought formal representation after layoffs, restructuring and cuts to newsroom staffing. The new union will represent all editorial employees covered under the bargaining unit.
Negotiations for a first contract have not yet been scheduled. The union said members will elect a bargaining committee and gather contract proposals in the coming weeks.
