Self-described unemployed dad and freelance writer Aaron Crowe points out an interesting trend: as newspaper guild membership vanishes, some are opening up their ranks to allow in freelancers. One such union is forming in San Francisco's Bay Area, where the California Media Workers Guild could see hundreds of new members.
The proposed changes haven't gotten off the ground yet, but the guild's had one open meeting to discuss the ramifications of such a move. The union's first task will be to negotiate a group healthcare plan, Sara Steffens, an organizer, tells Crowe.
If you're in the Bay Area and want to know more, here's the info for the next meeting:
FREELANCERS UNITE!
By choice or circumstance, more and more Bay Area journalists and writers are going into business for themselves. But leaving your media organization doesn't have to mean losing the protections and benefits of your union. A new unit of the California Media Workers Guild is forming to support independent writers, editors and journalists of every type. From credentials to benefits, working together can help us create better working conditions and a more vibrant marketplace. Please join our next meeting:
Noon, Friday April 24
Third-floor conference room
California Media Workers
433 Natoma Street, San Francisco.
To RSVP, or to be added to our mailing list, e-mail Sara Steffens: modernsara@gmail.com
This group will be run and governed by members, under the auspices of The Newspaper Guild and Communications Workers of America.
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