Amid internal uncertainty, the VTDigger’s new union contract guarantees journalists’ input on AI use

After a year of intense negotiations, the VTDigger Guild has ratified its second-ever union contract with the nonprofit news outlet VTDigger, which covers Vermont. The new four-year agreement, effective as of April 1, guarantees significant improvements for the journalists, including a 32.5% increase to the minimum salary for reporters, more paid time off, and most notably, journalists' input on the use of artificial intelligence. This contract marks a significant milestone for the organization, as it addresses both financial and ethical concerns related to the growing integration of AI in journalism.

The agreement's provisions on the use of generative artificial intelligence are comprehensive and aim to protect journalists' roles and ensure ethical practices. One of the key stipulations is that VTDigger must provide at least 60 days' notice to the Guild before implementing a new generative AI system that could meaningfully impact the terms and conditions of employment for bargaining unit employees. This notice period allows the Guild to evaluate the potential effects of the AI system and engage in discussions with the organization.

Furthermore, the contract grants the Guild the ability to negotiate the effects of AI introduction, ensuring that any changes to the workforce or workflows are subject to collective bargaining. Additionally, the agreement includes enhanced severance provisions for layoffs directly and primarily due to the use of generative AI. Employees would be entitled to four additional weeks of severance per year of service, with a minimum of 12 weeks.

Another important aspect of the contract is the journalists' right to withhold their byline or raise ethical objections if they believe an AI-generated piece compromises their professional standards. This safeguard ensures that human judgment remains a critical component in the creation, distribution, and promotion of journalism.

To further address AI usage, the contract establishes a committee composed of Guild members and VTDigger staff members who are not part of the Guild. This committee will make recommendations for the organization's AI usage policy, which will include an editorial review process to determine which editorial content is subject to the policy. The policy explicitly acknowledges that generative AI tools do not adequately substitute for human judgment in journalism.

Despite these positive developments, VTDigger is currently facing internal uncertainty. A recent story published by The Boston Globe reveals that the organization is struggling, with CEO Sky Barsch set to leave after three years on the job, along with editor-in-chief Geeta Anand, who joined last year. The nonprofit news outlet reported $2.7 million in revenue in 2024, which increased by roughly 10% in 2025. However, it has been operating in the red since just before its founder left in 2022, and the outgoing CEO's departure signals ongoing challenges.

Meanwhile, VTDigger is in the market for its third editor-in-chief in less than a year, highlighting the instability within the organization. As the nonprofit continues to navigate these internal issues, the ratification of the new union contract serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding journalists' rights and ensuring ethical AI practices in an ever-evolving media landscape. The agreement not only addresses immediate concerns but also sets a precedent for other news outlets grappling with the integration of AI in journalism.