Reporters form union at Record-Courier in Kent

KENT — Journalists working at the Gannett-owned Record-Courier newspaper in Kent on Tuesday announced they've formed a union, citing a lack of living wages and job security.

The newsroom staff, which according to the paper's website includes a managing editor, a sports editor, three news reporters, one sports reporter and one photographer, signed cards with the National Labor Relations Union in order to be represented by the same NewsGuild-Communications Workers of America local union that represents employees at other Gannett papers: the Akron Beacon Journal, Canton Repository and Massillon Independent, according to a release.

The family-owned Record-Courier was purchased by GateHouse Media, now Gannett, in 2017. Since the merger, many employees have been laid off and others "have resigned in frustration," reads the release. Gannett, through corporate consolidation, has removed editorial oversight at the paper, they say.

"Local news matters," said Record-Courier senior news reporter Diane Smith. "It matters to our readers, and it matters to us. But without a strong staff of local journalists, important stories are more likely to be missed. We call on Gannett to invest in local journalism with fair wages and fair treatment."

The unionizing journalists said their wages have been "substandard." They're seeking living wages, more job security and "a seat at the table to advocate for local news as much as possible," reads the release.

Bob Gaetjens, the Record-Courier's longtime reporter — and former editor of the now-defunct Gateway News — said an investment in journalism would benefit the paper and the community.

"For the past several years, we've bled editorial staff; some have been laid off, others have left of their own accord," he said. "Those of us who remain love reporting, but not necessarily the conditions we work under, from pay to the lack of colleagues that help provide a strong overall product."

This story was originally published July 6, 2021 at 2:46 PM with the headline "Reporters form union at Record-Courier in Kent."