LA Times Journalists Vote On Whether To Unionize

LOS ANGELES, CA — Newsroom employees of the Los Angeles Times have been voting on whether to unionize.

Employees began casting ballots at 10 a.m. Thursday at The Times' offices in downtown Los Angeles and Fountain Valley in an election held by the National Labor Relations Board, the newspaperreported. Those who work outside those offices were to able vote by mail.

Election results are expected to be announced Jan. 19. If a simple majority votes for the union, nearly 400 journalists would be represented, according to The Times.

A group of more than 40 Times journalists launched efforts last year to have the NewsGuild-Communications Workers of America represent employees in collective bargaining. Organizers are calling for regular raises, improved benefits and job protections.

The management of The Times had urged employees to vote no, arguing a union would not benefit employees, The Times reported.

City News Service; Photo: . (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)