Signal Ohio voluntarily recognizes newsroom union
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Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios
Signal Ohio leadership has agreed to voluntarily recognize its newsroom union.
Why it matters: The journalists who launched the union drive last month argue this will pave the way for stronger collaboration around the nonprofit outlet's civic mission.
Catch up quick: Signal, which operates newsrooms in Cleveland and Akron along with a statehouse bureau in Columbus, launched three years ago as an alternative to shrinking legacy outlets.
- The reporters say unionizing will help ensure sustainable, high-quality coverage as the organization expands. A Cincinnati bureau is expected to open later this year.
The latest: The Signal Ohio News Workers Guild announced on social media this past weekend that management will recognize all 14 full-time reporters as one bargaining unit.
- The organization previously conveyed through a law firm that it would recognize the union, but only if it were split into three units.
What they're saying: "We're ecstatic to share Signal Ohio's leadership chose to voluntarily recognize us as one Signal, one union," the guild wrote, thanking supporters for a wave of donations, petition signatures and public pressure.
The other side: CEO Rita McNeil Danish and board president Doug Ulman previously told Axios they were committed to "open, respectful conversations" as negotiations began.
- They have not yet responded to a request for comment about the union recognition.
What's next: Guild members say they're preparing to bargain their first contract.