The findings are based on data including the salaries of 384 members and survey responses showing that "Tribune does not compensate workers fairly, that employees accept more work while being denied raises, that collective bargaining has had a positive impact, and much more," the Guilds wrote.
The study stems from the premise of "prioritising bargaining goals and addressing the inexcusable disparities in our field," they said in a press release. "We take seriously the idea that our work and our coverage should reflect the communities we cover and serve."
The study also found that:
- The median salary for women is about $8,355 less than that of their male colleagues in the company's syndicated newsrooms.
- The median salary for white newsroom employees is $4,530 higher than that of Hispanics or Latinos, $7,510 higher than that of Asian members and $7,740 higher than that of black members.
- The median wage of black women is 22.5% lower than that of white men.
- Average pay is significantly higher at the Baltimore Sun and the New York Daily News, where members have benefited from collective bargaining for decades.
- Most members hired in the last five years have not received a raise in that time.
- Approximately 1 in 3 workers said they work unpaid overtime most weeks.
- The majority of members have asked for raises. 88% say they have not received one in years.
- Employees accept more work while being denied raises.
- Collective bargaining has had a positive impact on wage disparities.
IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: "Equality and fairness in the workplace is crucial for reporting and a good working environment. Yet some journalists continue to face highly differentiated pay inequalities with a clear impact on media pluralism and diversity. As representative of media professionals, we cannot tolerate this state of affairs. Studies like this one show that journalists' unions and associations are willing to act, but we need media organisations to get on board and we must act together to eradicate inequality in the media."
Guilds represented in this study: The Baltimore Sun Guild, The Hartford Courant Guild, Suburban Chicago Tribune Guild, Chesapeake Guild Design & Production Studio Guild, Tidewater Guild, The Daily News Union, The Daily Meal Guild, The Morning Call Guild, Orlando Sentinel Guild, Tribune Content Agency Guild.