ProPublica’s union authorizes the first U.S. newsroom strike over AI protections

On March 20, members of the ProPublica Guild, one of the largest nonprofit newsroom unions in the U.S., overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. Out of the roughly 150 journalists, copyediters, videographers, and other newsroom workers in the Guild, 92% of members voted to walk off the job if ProPublica doesn’t agree to their contract terms in the coming weeks. This marks the first time a major U.S. newsroom has authorized a strike, at least in part, over AI protections.

The vote comes two and a half years into negotiations over the Guild’s first collective bargaining agreement, which started soon after the union was recognized back in August 2023. One of the sticking points at the bargaining table has been an article that would prohibit ProPublica from laying off employees due to AI adoption. Alongside the dispute over AI, the Guild is also pushing for “just cause” when firing union members, a provision that would give senior employees more job security during layoffs, and cost-of-living wage increases.

Susan DeCarava, the president of the NewsGuild of New York, confirmed that, to her knowledge, no unit of The NewsGuild-CWA has previously faced or taken a strike over AI language. “Frankly, this fight over the use of AI in the ProPublica newsroom demonstrates that it’s the workers who are the heart of this journalistic enterprise, and who will fight to preserve it,” said DeCarava. “It’s a real shame, and a head-scratcher, that ProPublica management isn’t jumping at the opportunity to reassure donors and readers that they are just as committed as we are to human-reported and produced journalism.”

In a statement to Nieman Lab, Tyson Evans, the chief product and brand officer at ProPublica, said the newsroom is approaching the question of AI responsibly. However, the union members argue that ProPublica’s current stance on AI threatens their jobs and the integrity of journalism. The strike authorization follows months of failed negotiations, with both sides struggling to reach an agreement on the role of AI in the newsroom.

The ProPublica Guild’s decision to strike highlights the growing concerns among journalists about the impact of AI on their profession. Many in the industry fear that AI could replace human journalists, leading to job losses and a decline in the quality of journalism. The union’s demand for protections against AI-driven layoffs reflects this anxiety and the desire to safeguard the jobs that are still held by human professionals.

The strike also underscores the importance of collective bargaining in the newsroom. For years, many journalists have worked without union representation, making them vulnerable to the whims of management. The recognition of the ProPublica Guild and the subsequent negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement represent a significant step forward for workers in the industry.

As the two sides prepare for potential strike action, the future of the ProPublica newsroom remains uncertain. The union is determined to protect its members’ jobs and ensure that AI adoption does not come at the expense of human journalists. ProPublica, on the other hand, must navigate the complex challenges posed by AI while maintaining its commitment to high-quality, independent journalism.

The upcoming negotiations will be closely watched by journalists and labor advocates alike. The outcome could set a precedent for how AI is integrated into newsrooms across the country and around the world. It will also shed light on whether ProPublica can find a balance between innovation and the protection of its workforce.

In the meantime, the ProPublica Guild’s decision to authorize a strike serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role that human journalists play in the newsroom. It also highlights the need for ongoing dialogue between labor unions, management, and the public about the future of journalism in an age of rapidly advancing technology.