Los Angeles Times Union Members Overwhelmingly Ratify Agreement, Permanently Averting Strike
Los Angeles, CA – Members of the Media Workers Guild, Local 39001, representing hundreds of editorial and newsroom employees at the Los Angeles Times, have decisively voted to ratify the tentative agreement reached with the newspaper’s management. This crucial development, confirmed following the tabulation of ballots, secures new contractual terms for a significant portion of the newsroom staff and, most notably, formally and permanently resolves the immediate threat of a strike that had been escalating for weeks.
The ratification vote solidifies the understanding that was initially reached between the union and management on May 27, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in labor relations at the prominent California newspaper. The overwhelming support for the negotiated terms signals a strong consensus among union members regarding the provisions included in the new collective bargaining agreement.
Key Provisions of the New Contract
The ratified agreement encompasses several critical areas for the approximately 450 editorial and newsroom employees covered by the Media Workers Guild contract. Among the most significant provisions are terms related to compensation, job security, and newsroom diversity. These elements were central to the union’s negotiation priorities and reflect key concerns of the staff.
A core component of the deal is a stipulated salary increase for union members. The agreement mandates a 6% salary increase to be implemented over the two-year duration of the contract. This structured wage growth provides a clear path for compensation adjustments, aiming to address cost of living and recognize the value of the employees’ contributions over the next two years.
Job security was another paramount issue addressed in the negotiations. The ratified contract includes enhanced protections specifically concerning potential layoffs. Critically, these protections are now tied directly to seniority, meaning that in the event that workforce reductions become necessary, employees with longer tenures at the Los Angeles Times will have greater security. This seniority-based system provides a clear and objective framework for maintaining staff stability, prioritizing the experience and dedication of long-serving employees.
In addition to economic and security terms, the agreement also establishes a commitment to fostering a more representative newsroom. The contract includes a provision for the formation of a joint committee focused on newsroom diversity. This committee will comprise representatives from both the Media Workers Guild and Los Angeles Times management, tasked with collaboratively addressing issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the editorial and newsroom ranks. The creation of this committee underscores a shared goal of building a newsroom that reflects the diverse community it serves.
Overwhelming Member Support
The ratification vote demonstrated exceptionally strong support for the negotiated package. According to figures released by the union, 92% of voting members cast their ballots in favor of approving the tentative agreement. This high percentage indicates broad satisfaction among the affected staff with the terms secured through the negotiation process. An approval margin of this magnitude provides the union leadership with a robust mandate and underscores the collective will of the members to move forward under the terms of the new contract.
The vote followed the announcement of the tentative agreement, which was reached after intensive bargaining sessions. The fact that the agreement was ratified by such an overwhelming majority highlights the effectiveness of the negotiation process and the perceived value of the gains made in the contract for the approximately 450 employees it covers.
Context and Implications for the Newsroom
The successful ratification brings a definitive end to a period of heightened labor tension at the Los Angeles Times. Prior to the tentative agreement reached on May 27, 2025, the possibility of a strike by Media Workers Guild members had been a tangible concern, building over several weeks as negotiations progressed. Union members had engaged in various actions to demonstrate their resolve and pressing for a fair contract that addressed their key demands regarding wages, job security, and workplace equity.
With the ratification complete, the threat of a work stoppage is formally removed, providing a period of stability for the Los Angeles Times newsroom. The ratified agreement sets the terms and conditions for approximately 450 editorial and newsroom staff, including journalists, editors, photographers, and other essential personnel involved in the production of the newspaper and its digital content.
This outcome allows both the union and management to shift their focus towards implementing the provisions of the new contract, including the salary increases, the new layoff protection protocols, and the establishment of the joint diversity committee. The conclusion of this contract negotiation cycle through a ratified agreement ensures labor peace and allows the Los Angeles Times newsroom to concentrate on its core mission of delivering news and information.
The approval by 92% of voting members represents a strong collective voice from the newsroom staff, endorsing the path forward outlined in the new agreement and securing new terms for their employment at the Los Angeles Times for the duration of the contract.
