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One reason I’m organizing with @STdigitalunion is our small but mighty video team. Our jobs have gotten more complex, stressful & exhausting due to pandemic precautions and protest safety/gear. And @SeattleTimesCo is choosing to make it even more stressful by fighting our union.
The 3 of us are often risking our health & safety to be out there telling stories from our community. Whether it’s about pandemic or protests. Important stories that people need to know — that also encourage people to subscribe to our paper. Example: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/man-shot-after-gunman-drives-car-into-capitol-hill-protesters/
While we’re out there, we don’t have the same protections and benefits as our colleagues. We don't have a voice in our workplace. And @SeattleTimesCo wants it to remain that way, according to their recent filing to block our union vote.
This is not to unduly glorify our jobs. We’re working people. I love the work I do. I know it’s a privilege that I get to make films about our community. I love working with @CorinneChin & @ramondompor. We keep each other safe. We keep each other inspired http://projects.seattletimes.com/2019/videos-of-the-year/
But I am angry & disappointed that while our jobs have gotten more complex & stressful, instead of helping to alleviate that, the @SeattleTimesCo chooses to add more stress, more burdens. Literally spending time & money they say they don't have to deny us our right to organize.
We strive to make impactful, inclusive video projects. We put in long hours because that’s what’s needed to produce the work our community deserves. We win national & global awards for our work that the company is happy to accept & flaunt for their board. http://projects.seattletimes.com/2016/under-our-skin/
The 3 of us ALSO work on our Diversity & Inclusion Task Force having tough (and not always welcomed) discussions, and developing systems to improve our newsroom & coverage. That work is never-ending & for colleagues of color, it can come with greater risk. http://st.news/inclusivejournalism
Today is my day off. To better cover the news, I’ve shifted my work days later & now work weekends. I have to be flexible like that, adapt, make accommodations.
Can @SeattleTimesCo make any such accommodations? Can they work with us, not against us? Recognize us. @STdigitalunion
Can @SeattleTimesCo make any such accommodations? Can they work with us, not against us? Recognize us. @STdigitalunion
All of this is to say that we @STdigitalunion — not just our video team, but producers, engagement editors, developers, all of us in job categories that aren’t part of the Guild with our colleagues — are ever more determined to unionize. And we’ll do it no matter what.
And because I didn't post enough pictures of @CorinneChin & me filming while working, here's more pictures of us working recently and in the before-times.
