FAQs

Why are we unionizing?

We are forming a union to have a say in the direction of the Orlando Sentinel. Our union will fight for deserved raises, dependable healthcare and job security. We will fight for stronger parental leave policies, opportunities for professional development, and a more racially, ethnically and culturally diverse newsroom that allows us to better tell the stories of the communities we cover. Joining the Sentinel Guild is our way of defending the future of our newsroom — and Central Florida’s access to quality local journalism.

Who is leading the union?

The journalists of the Orlando Sentinel are the union. Staff will elect representatives to form a bargaining committee that will negotiate with Tribune Publishing for our first contract. Contract decisions will be voted on by all union members.

How does the process work?

We have informed Tribune Publishing of our intent to unionize and have asked for voluntary recognition of our bargaining unit. If the company declines to recognize our union, an election will be held. All eligible union members will vote in the election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. Our union will be certified by the board through voting results that reflect the majority of newsroom support.

Will this affect the relationship with my manager?

The Sentinel Guild will be bargaining with Tribune Publishing, not our local leadership. As written in our mission statement, our union is not a campaign against our newsroom managers and editors. Rather, we seek to improve our working conditions, wages and benefits.

Will the union make me go on strike?

Every action taken by the union will be voted on and requires a majority support. A strike is often considered a last resort tactic in response to deadlock negotiations and has rarely been carried out by other newspaper unions. There are a variety of other actions to show Tribune Publishing our support for bargaining efforts that do not involve a strike.