By Russ Wiles | Arizona Republic
Journalists at The Arizona Republic on Thursday voted in favor of unionizing the newsroom, capping several weeks of lobbying over issues such as job security, workplace flexibility and pay and benefits.
If the results are certified without challenge, it will start a collective bargaining process in the Phoenix newsroom.
The 64-30 vote was conducted on secret ballots at The Republic’s downtown Phoenix office, under supervision of the National Labor Relations Board. The NLRB will take about a week to certify the election if neither side objects.
The vote came against the backdrop of a proposed acquisition of Gannett by GateHouse Media, owned by New Media Investment Group, with shareholders set to vote on that Nov. 14. If shareholders of both companies approve, the deal could close by year’s end.
Gannett owns The Arizona Republic, USA TODAY and more than 100 other daily newspapers, websites and other companies in the U.S. and the United Kingdom.
“We respect the rights of our employees and their decision, as we have said since the beginning of this effort,” Arizona Republic Executive Editor Greg Burton said.
