Unionized Hearst Newspapers staff in Austin, Albany, Connecticut and Dallas are on the same page: We’re ready to fight for fair contracts and respect from our employer.

We’re demanding that Hearst bargain in good faith with @AustinNewsGuild, @AlbanyGuild, @CTnewsguild an @DallasNewsGuild.

If it seems to you like there are fewer journalists covering Connecticut, you’re right. This week, those ranks grew thinner: Hearst CT unjustly fired a highly experienced reporter who was respected by his peers, sources and readers.

We call on management to reinstate our colleague – and to come to the bargaining table ready to negotiate a fair contract. Among our demands: A fair and transparent progressive discipline policy, so our colleagues receive the respect they deserve and dismissals like this end.

We had our first bargaining session on Zoom on June 1, with the support of dozens of unionized Hearst Newspapers colleagues from @AlbanyGuild, @AustinNewsGuild, @DallasNewsGuild and @SFCGuild Chronicle Guild. Here's (some of) what the bargaining committee said:

Hearst’s Connecticut newspapers have been – and should remain – the state’s paper of record that can set both national and company standards as the media landscape continues to evolve.