Reporters at the Cap Times told their managers Thursday they have formed a union and are seeking voluntary recognition from the company.
Identifying as the Cap Times News Guild, the group includes the eight reporters on staff who do not have editor roles.
The reporters wrote in a mission statement delivered to management and shared publicly, “Our union believes that in-depth, accountability journalism that serves the community starts by building that same accountability within: We want to construct the systems that propel the values we hope journalism can create in our community — transparency, fairness and diversity.”
Reporters informed managers that they had already filed a petition for an election with the National Labor Relations Board but that they preferred to “build a long and lasting relationship with the company” and would withdraw the petition if the union is voluntarily recognized.
The Cap Times is the brand of The Capital Times Co., which has been in business since 1917.
The organization’s leaders are reviewing the petition to determine next steps.