HuffPost Writers & Editors Unanimously Ratify New WGA East Contract

deadline.com:

WGA East-represented news writers and producers at HuffPost have ratified a new three-year contract. According to the guild, the pact was approved unanimously by the 91-member bargaining unit employed at the online news site.

A deal on the new contract was reached on February 1, and a strike averted, after 98% of the writers and editors signed a pledge vowing to strike if they didn’t get a fair contract. “Guild members at HuffPost fought hard to win an extraordinary contract that provides numerous tangible gains that will immediately enrich our members’ professional and personal lives,” said Lowell Peterson, the guild’s executive director. “This contract could not have been reached without the unit’s incredible solidarity throughout these tough negotiations, and they have been rewarded with an agreement that raises the bar for the entire online media industry.”  The covered writers and producers said in a joint statement: “We are incredibly proud of our third contract, which builds a better future for HuffPost and the talented individuals who work here and raises the bar for our entire industry.

With a unanimous ratification vote, we can’t wait to get to work enforcing the protections we fought so hard for at the bargaining table.” Upon reaching terms for the new contract, a HuffPost spokesperson said, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the HuffPost union that will help us build a bright future for this incredible newsroom.” The new contract increases salary minimums by about 10%, resulting in pay raises of $5,000-$8,000 for several members.

The lowest salary minimum now will be $66,625, which the guild says is the highest starting salary of any WGA East Online Media contract.