Labor Board Seeks Injunction Against Post-Gazette

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is under scrutiny as it confronts a federal injunction for allegedly violating workers' rights, marking a significant development in the nation's longest-running strike. Striking employees gathered on the North Shore to celebrate the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) decision to file the injunction, which, if approved, would compel the newspaper's management to cover workers' healthcare costs, adhere to their previously violated union contract, and resume negotiations with the union. The strike, which has persisted for 22 months, has taken a toll on employees, as highlighted by PG photographer Steve Mellon. He expressed the emotional and financial strain of being without paychecks and the impact on personal lives, stating, "That's 22 months without your work support or your identity as a journalist." The prolonged strike has forced workers to alter their family plans, underscoring the challenges faced by those involved. The NLRB has a strong track record, winning nearly 75 percent of its injunction cases since 2012. Earlier this year, the board indicated its intention to take action against the Post-Gazette, emphasizing that employers must not harm workers. The NewsGuild-CWA, representing journalists and media workers, remains committed to advocating for their rights in Pittsburgh and beyond. In January 2022, a judge from the NLRB ordered the Post-Gazette to return to negotiations, citing the newspaper's bad faith bargaining practices since 2019 and its premature declaration of an impasse.