When we announced the formation of the APP-MCJ Guild in August 2021, our members signed a mission statement that included our goals to “fight for fairness and equity and demand that Gannett treat us with the dignity we deserve” and to “ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear, now more than ever.”

Three and a half years later, we are pleased to report that we’ve reached a tentative agreement with Gannett on a two-year contract. 

We did it. We won!

Our contract, which came on the heels of a 95% strike vote by our members (along with our comrades in the Hudson Valley News Guild, who also won a contract), includes: 

• Nearly $500,000 in new salary across the Asbury Park Press and MyCentralJersey newsrooms over two years. 

• Salary minimums that will result in raises of 25% or more for half of our members upon ratification.

• An average salary increase of $12,000+ upon ratification, going as high as $25,000. 

• General wage increases to combat inflation and prevent future wage stagnation

• Beat back insurance premium hikes and cuts to the 401(k) match program for another year

• Seniority protections, codified severance and recall list in the event of layoffs

• Exclusive jurisdiction over our work, including strong guardrails dictating when managers, other newsrooms and AI can be used.

• Just cause, no exceptions.  

This agreement is a testament to our members’ tenacity and solidarity. We never gave up our push for a fair contract, despite stonewalling at the bargaining table and every union-busting trick in the playbook. We never stopped fighting for each other. 

We hope this contract will serve as a launching pad for other unions across Gannett, including those negotiating successor deals, first contracts and, especially, those still organizing underground. 

Solidarity forever!